alternates 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of alternate
as in mixes
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.

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alternates

2 of 2

noun

plural of alternate
as in substitutes

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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 alternates
Verb
Kate Middleton is rumored to wear the brand’s Orange Blossom Cologne, while Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reportedly alternates between the scents Wood Sage and Sea Salt and Wild Bluebell. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 The onset of more organ soloing by Emmett over twin guitars is just the barrage needed to slam home the paranoia and loneliness in a song that alternates self-effacement with self-defensive allegations of gaslighting and abandonment. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026 The Panthers have more than enough leadership to go around in their dressing room beyond captain Aleksander Barkov and alternates Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 The scene alternates between him on a platform with dancers wearing Xuân Phả folk masks, set against the beautiful landscape of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 And in our car, whoever is in the front seat gets to play the music, and that alternates day-to-day. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026 Among the services offered there is contrast therapy, which alternates heat and cold to promote circulation, reduce inflammation and help with muscle soreness. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026 Another mistake is planting hostas in heavy, clay soil that alternates between soggy and rock hard. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Honorees who advanced to the Super Bowl were replaced by alternates (Trubisky was Jared Goff’s alternate in 2018-19) and the exhibition no longer was held in Aloha Stadium each year. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternates
  1. mixes
  2. substitutes
  3. juxtaposes
  4. replacements
  5. combines
  6. subs
  7. incorporates
Verb
  • The watch comes in gray or titanium silver case options and retains its predecessor's squircle design, which mixes a rounded-square bezel with a circular watch face.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Forty miles west of Minneapolis, Howard Lake mixes water recreation with country living.
    — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of mixes
Noun
  • That's one reason sugar substitutes like aspartame have become so popular.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • These non-alcoholic mocktail recipes rebuild familiar favorites with fruit, herbs and zero-proof substitutes.
    — Ryan Brennan August 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of substitutes
Verb
  • The intro sequence juxtaposes Paula’s frenzied prep for the party with her prep for a potential attack from anyone associated with Trevor’s murder.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Much like the film, the choreography juxtaposes joy with despair in an ever-changing environment.
    — Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Definition of juxtaposes
Noun
  • Quantity Weber gas grills use several flavorizer bars, so replacements are sold in packs.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of replacements
Verb
  • The 42-footer, which is the first example of the American yard’s Hood 42 LM model to hit the seas, combines classic New England design with contemporary engineering to ensure seamless and stylish cruising.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Touch Grass will be produced via a hybrid production model that combines live-action actor performances, practical effects, traditional visual effects, and generative AI.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of combines
Noun
  • The last of the new subs isn’t due to join the fleet until 2038.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • For the third quarter, Spotify predicted 305 million premium subs and 788 million MAUs, as well as operating income of €​670 million and revenue of €​5 billion.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of subs
Verb
  • This material can be coated with a proprietary glaze called EverClean, which incorporates silver into the mix.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Her practice incorporates reiki, chakra work, and the energetic presence of the horses, using their sensitivity and subsequent behavior as a mirror for our unspoken emotional weight.
    — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of incorporates

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Cite this Entry

“Alternates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternates. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternates

Nglish: Translation of alternates for Spanish Speakers

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