one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse"
Used in a Sentence
alternative
How to use alternative in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for alternative.
Editorial note
I use them, in both cases, as an alternative to rolling my own.
Examples11
Definitions4
Parts of speech2
Quick take
one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of alternative gathered in one view.
serving or used in place of another; "an alternative plan"
necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; "alternative possibilities were neutrality or war"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for alternative.
noun
one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse"
adjective
serving or used in place of another; "an alternative plan"
See also: alternate, substitute
adjective
necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities; "alternative possibilities were neutrality or war"
adjective
pertaining to unconventional choices; "an alternative life style"
Example sentences
I use them, in both cases, as an alternative to rolling my own.
" How about first you make sure your "alternative" candidate doesn't think we should nuke Mecca?
I was nodding along, when suddenly...> One alternative is to ignore iOS and OS X users.
Use of the alternative method usually reduces the franchise tax to a very low level.
I doubt these alternative browsers would exist if they were not useful for Google's and Microsofts main businesses.
I'd strongly consider not doing that, again, unless the alternative is missing payroll for your other employees.
The most important paragraph if you're not interested in reading the whole thing:Is there an intelligent alternative to lying or telling the truth that we have not yet examined?
However, in almost all cases involving an early stage startup, you can deal with this easily by using the alternative valuation method tied to value of assets in the company.
But its not a 'feel bad about it' leaving it is 'hmm, this isn't going to work out here so lets go somewhere that it could'.The alternative to having an agenda is "Goofing off and waiting for someone to give you a task.
A number of people criticized me for not understanding that Bitcoin is designed to be complementary to traditional currencies, and that analyzing it as an alternative is invalid.
"Using the Economist house style offers an elegant alternative, wherein virtually all people and organizations are identified explicitly, no matter how prominent.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use alternative in a sentence?
I use them, in both cases, as an alternative to rolling my own.
What does alternative mean?
one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen; "what option did I have?"; "there no other alternative"; "my only choice is to refuse"
What part of speech is alternative?
alternative is commonly used as noun, adjective.