alternate
verb (used without object)
to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed bywith ).
had alternated
-
past perfectof alternate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Both women, who had alternated from government to opposition for the best part of two decades, were suddenly mired in court cases.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025
After winning the presidency in 1998, Mr. Chávez, a former paratrooper born into a poor provincial family, sought a radical break from the discredited traditional parties, who had alternated power since the 1950s.
From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2022
The burnt-orange and Sooner-red halves of the Cotton Bowl had alternated as madhouses.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 9, 2021
The teams had alternated wins in this series until the Bruins won the last two games.
From Fox News ● Apr. 23, 2019
She had alternated, since Daniel's sudden death, between fits of depression and elation.
From The Spinners by Eden Phillpotts
