alternate
verb (used without object)
to interchange repeatedly and regularly with one another in time or place; rotate (usually followed bywith ).
has alternated
-
present perfectof alternate (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
The economy has alternated between adding jobs and losing jobs for 10 months in a row, and the on-and-off streak is likely to extend into March.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 2, 2026
In public, he has alternated military threats with the offer of fresh negotiations.
From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2026
In recent years, he has alternated his activities, writing for and performing with that group and composing for ensembles that he conducts, such as the one on this release.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
James has alternated between No. 23 and No. 6 during his own 20-year career, and he’s worn both with the Lakers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2023
Political Parties: Election of 1903.—Since the middle of the nineteenth century political preponderance has alternated irregularly between two principal party groups.
From The Governments of Europe by Frederic Austin Ogg
