alter

¹

[awl-ter]

verb (used with object)

1. to make different in some particular, as size, style, course, or the like; modify.

   to alter a coat; to alter a will; to alter course.

2. to castrate or spay.

verb (used without object)

1. to change; become different or modified.

Alter

²

[awl-ter]

noun

1. David, 1807–81, U.S. physicist.

alter.

³

abbreviation

1. alteration.

alter

/ ˈɔːltə /

verb

1. to make or become different in some respect; change

2. informal,  (tr) a euphemistic word for castrate spay

Other Word Forms

• alterably adverb
• alterability noun
• alterable adjective
• alterer noun
• half-altered adjective
• prealter verb (used with object)
• realter verb
• unaltering adjective
• well-altered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French alterer, from Late Latin alterāre “to change, worsen,” derivative of Latin alter “other”

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter¹

C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterāre to change, from Latin alter other

Synonym Study

See adjust,

Example Sentences

It may not have altered the parental dynamic that Hicks and Ripley shared but it may have changed other assumptions we projected on those two characters.

From Salon

The judge’s lengthy, 200-plus-page opinion comes as artificial intelligence is altering the way people search for information and could reshape Google’s massive advertising business.

From Los Angeles Times

The US military "excels" because there is a "bottom-up" culture where units on the ground can make decisions as the situation evolves and alter their fighting strategies, Dr Raska notes.

From BBC

So the personnel might be virtually unchanged, but the approach will be altered.

From BBC

Since the Ryder Cup was altered to allow European players to compete in 1979, there has never been so few changes made to a team - on average, Europe make five in each two-year cycle.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjust 
• amend 
• change 
• develop 
• modify 
• reshape 
• revamp 
• revise 
• shift 
• transform 
• vary 

When To Use

What is another way to say alter?

To alter something is to make it different in some particular way, such as in size, style, or course. How does alter compare to change? Find out on Thesaurus.com.