alternative

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv, al-]

noun

1. a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility.

   You have the alternative of riding or walking.

   Synonyms: selection, option

2. one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen.

   The alternative to riding is walking.

3. a possible or remaining course or choice.

   There was no alternative but to walk.

adjective

1. affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action.

2. (of two things, propositions, or courses) mutually exclusive so that if one is chosen the other must be rejected.

   The alternative possibilities are neutrality and war.

3. employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.; existing outside the establishment.

   an alternative newspaper; alternative lifestyles.

4. Logic.,  (of a proposition) asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true.

alternative

/ ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv /

noun

1. a possibility of choice, esp between two things, courses of action, etc

2. either of such choices

   we took the alternative of walking

adjective

1. presenting a choice, esp between two possibilities only

2. (of two things) mutually exclusive

3. denoting a lifestyle, culture, art form, etc, regarded by its adherents as preferable to that of contemporary society because it is less conventional, materialistic, or institutionalized, and, often, more in harmony with nature

4. logic another word for disjunctive

Other Word Forms

• alternatively adverb
• alternativeness noun
• alternativity noun
• quasi-alternative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alternative¹

First recorded in 1580–90; alternate + -ive

Synonym Study

See choice.

Example Sentences

There’s also artwork shown for abandoned concepts, such as a never-built Chinese restaurant with a robotic host that was envisioned for Main Street, as well as alternative visions for the introductory land.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was early 1996, and a young alternative band known as the Smashing Pumpkins was embarking on a worldwide tour for their newest album, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This included alternative uses for the site such as hydrothermal plastics recycling and anaerobic digestion.

Read more on BBC

In contrast, Germany has phased out its use of nuclear power, prioritising alternative renewables like hydrogen.

Read more on BBC

Marriott said it pulled the plug on the partnership because Sonder defaulted on the terms, and that it had reached out to affected customers to “assist with refunds and alternative accommodations.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• opportunity 
• option 
• substitute