alternate
verb (used without object)
to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed bywith ).
alternates
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pluralof alternate.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof alternate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
alternateverb (used without object)to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed bywith ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the broadcast booth, he sometimes alternates between standing and sitting, or puts his feet up on a table, anything to avoid sitting for hours on end.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
The record alternates patient mood pieces like this one with more melodic tunes with startling shifts in volume.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
The collaboration alternates between observing runs that collect scientific data and periods dedicated to commissioning and upgrading the detectors.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026
It alternates between "found footage" segments filmed in first person that resemble his web show, and more classic filmic shots.
From Barron's ● May 28, 2026
Egyptian art alternates between conservatism and innovation, but is never static.
From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson
