WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
al•ter•na•tive /ɔlˈtɜrnətɪv, æl-/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
adj. [before a noun]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- a choice limited to one option among two or more possibilities:You have the alternative of riding, walking, or biking.
- a choice among only two possibilities such that if one is chosen, the other cannot be chosen:Here are the alternatives: surrender or die.
- one of these choices:The alternative to riding is walking.
adj. [before a noun]
- allowing for a choice between two or more things:an alternative plan.
- being different from the usual:alternative lifestyles; alternative energy sources.
- See choice.
al•ter•na•tive
(ôl tûr′nə tiv, al-),USA pronunciation n.
adj.
al•ter′na•tive•ly, adv.
al•ter′na•tive•ness, al•ter′na•tiv′i•ty, n.
- a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility:You have the alternative of riding or walking.
- one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen:The alternative to riding is walking.
- a possible or remaining course or choice:There was no alternative but to walk.
adj.
- affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action.
- (of two things, propositions, or courses) mutually exclusive so that if one is chosen the other must be rejected:The alternative possibilities are neutrality and war.
- employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.;
existing outside the establishment:an alternative newspaper; alternative lifestyles. - Philosophy[Logic.](of a proposition) asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true.
- alternate + -ive 1580–90
al•ter′na•tive•ness, al•ter′na•tiv′i•ty, n.
- 1. . option, selection. See choice.
'alternatively' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):