alternative

noun
UK: /ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/
US: /ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv/

  1. Something you can choose instead of something else.

    1. We need an alternative plan in case this one fails now. [ ] [ ]
    2. If this doesn't work, we'll find an alternative route that avoids traffic. [ ] [ ]

  2. A choice between two or more possibilities.

    1. What's the alternative if I don't want to go there? [ ] [ ]
    2. The doctor said I had an alternative to surgery, which was physical therapy. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

different choice other replacement option
alternative adjective

  1. Different from what is usual or traditional.

    1. This is an alternative method to solve this task. [ ] [ ]
    2. Some people are seeking alternative medicine to treat their conditions lately. [ ] [ ]

  2. Available as another possibility or choice.

    1. Is there an alternative solution to this problem we can consider? [ ] [ ]
    2. We provide alternative energy sources as a way to reduce our carbon footprint. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "alternative" in English means: Something you can choose instead of something else., A choice between two or more possibilities..

The phonetic transcription of "alternative" is /ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/ in British English and /ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "alternative": different, choice, other, replacement, option.

Example usage of "alternative": "We need an alternative plan in case this one fails now.". More examples on the page.