alter ego

noun

ˌȯl-tər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce alter ego (audio)
Definition of alter egonext
1
as in friend
a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another over the years the state's other senator became his alter ego as well as his political ally

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in image
something or someone that strongly resembles another the hero of the novel is clearly the author's alter ego, right down to his receding hairline and middle-aged paunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alter ego Born six weeks after Vernon and a kind of public-facing alter ego for the singer at past Eaux Claires, Francis has materialized as a surprise guest at the Dijon set. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam – and his buff alter ego He-Man – who returns to his homeland of Eternia to reunite with old friends and battle evil, over-the-top Skeletor (Jared Leto). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Like her alter ego Hermione, the Harry Potter alum couldn’t stay away from academia for long. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Unlike entertainers who view their public persona as an alter ego, Sukihana sees balance as the foundation of her identity. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alter ego
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter ego
  1. friend
  2. image
  3. buddy
  4. twin
  5. picture
  6. replica
  7. clone
  8. duplicate
Noun
  • Prosecutors had said that Laster and Rozier, longtime friends, were part of a group called GMB that publicly flaunted its access to guns and that Laster allegedly relied on to intimidate witnesses.
    — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While everyone tries to photograph the actual eclipse, French prefers a different perspective if viewing the event with friends or family.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of friend
Noun
  • The family snaps included a black-and-white image of a shirtless Hefner cradling the newborn, Lambropoulos Hefner introducing her daughter to their son Forrest, 3, as well as Forrest holding his baby sister, who was sweetly swaddled in pink.
    — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • After the image of Rhaenyra jumping to her own death and landing on spikes, Rhaenyra sees a depiction of her on the Iron Throne with blood streaming down from the crown on her head and surrounded by dragon flames.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of image
Noun
  • Proudly stupid and surprisingly sweet, Dylan Meyer’s stoner buddy comedy is a tribute to friendship best enjoyed with your own ride-or-die by your side — joints optional.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The two became annual dive buddies in the Sea of Cortez, where Kennedy often shared stories of a giant manta ray.
    — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of buddy
Noun
  • In the throwback snap, the twins could be seen doing a cannonball into the pool.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • However, many brands have options that range from twin to California king.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of twin
Noun
  • The researchers recovered usable DNA from 95 historical specimens spanning nearly 140 years and compared them with modern samples collected in the 2000s, and the results painted a sobering picture.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The fund would modernize the state’s 911 services to keep up with today’s technology, like allowing callers to send text messages, pictures and videos to emergency dispatchers.
    — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of picture
Noun
  • Depicting Washington on horseback during the Revolutionary War, the original monument has been there since 1904, and is actually a replica of one gifted to France.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Pittsburgh sculptor Brian McGuire custom designed the mold and is also working on a replica of the 1926 Central Library building.
    — Juliet Bennett Rylah, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of replica
Noun
  • Life has beaten down Weisman’s Jake Levinson, once the radical front man of a bad Rage Against the Machine clone, into a dead-eyed nihilist.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The clone theory has become a popular one in recent years, especially amid developments in AI and the use of holographic performers.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of clone
Noun
  • Some sets come with additional lids, which may be duplicates or something unique, such as specially sized lids for soda bottles.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The duplicate reporting allegedly lowered some consumers' credit scores and, in some cases, affected their ability to obtain credit.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of duplicate

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altered
alter ego
alter egos
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Cite this Entry

“Alter ego.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter%20ego. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alter ego

Nglish: Translation of alter ego for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alter ego

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