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alternates

  • plural
    of alternate.
    alternate
    verb (used without object)
    to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed bywith ).
  • present tense form
    of alternate (3rd person singular).
    alternate
    verb (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.

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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

The rest of the album alternates between chaos and control, introspection and criticism, grungy beats and hazy surrealism.

From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2026

Mornings he alternates between Madame Manec’s kitchen, the tobacco shop, and the post office, where he waits in interminable queues to use the telephone.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr