Antonyms for alternative


Grammar : Adj, noun
Spell : awl-tur-nuh-tiv, al-
Phonetic Transcription : ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv, æl-


Definition of alternative

Origin :
  • 1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from Medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare (see alternate (v.)). Meaning "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest reference is to the media); e.g. alternative energy (1975). Related: Alternatively.
  • adj other, alternate
  • noun possible choice
Example sentences :
  • Master Headley did not like the alternative at all, and was a good deal perplexed.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • In the absence of overtures there was no alternative but to march on Paris.
  • Extract from : « Camps, Quarters and Casual Places » by Archibald Forbes
  • An acceptance so direct left Clarence no alternative: his fate was decided.
  • Extract from : « Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10) » by Maria Edgeworth
  • There was no alternative now but to cross the barrens to Whale River on foot.
  • Extract from : « The Long Labrador Trail » by Dillon Wallace
  • Henry Dunbar was resolute; and the young lawyer had no alternative.
  • Extract from : « Henry Dunbar » by M. E. Braddon
  • Now that I can think coolly of the business, I know that such an alternative is impossible.
  • Extract from : « Henry Dunbar » by M. E. Braddon
  • There was only one alternative to a dead, burned-out, empty planet.
  • Extract from : « Join Our Gang? » by Sterling E. Lanier
  • But even in acknowledging this she reserved to herself an alternative.
  • Extract from : « The Law-Breakers » by Ridgwell Cullum
  • May there not be the alternative, I said, that we may persuade you to let us go?
  • Extract from : « The Republic » by Plato
  • But I couldn't—no, by heaven, I couldn't—accept the alternative.
  • Extract from : « The Captain of the Pole-Star and Other Tales » by Arthur Conan Doyle

Synonyms for alternative

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019