Alter

/ˈɒl.tə/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To change the form or structure of..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive) To change the form or structure of.
2. (intransitive) To become different.
3. (transitive) To tailor clothes to make them fit.
4. (transitive) To castrate, neuter or spay (a dog or other animal).
5. (transitive) To affect mentally, as by psychotropic drugs or illness.
6. (psychology, multiplicity) One of the personalities, identities, or selves in a person with dissociative identity disorder or another form of multiplicity.
7. Misspelling of altar.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: tweak

No power in Venice can alter a decree.

Lou's not Times foole, though roſie lips and cheeks VVithin his bending ſickles compaſſe come, Loue alters not with his breefe houres and vveekes, But beares it out euen to the edge of doome: If this be error and vpon me proued, I neuer vvrit, nor no man euer loued.

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

It gilds all objects, but it alters none.

[…] Passing the song of the hermit bird and the tallying song of my soul, / Victorious song, death’s outlet song, yet varying ever-altering song, […]

We don't know if he was altered on alcohol or drugs or anything […]

While the second goal would be best met if each alter were coconscious, the defendant should be satisfied if at least one competent alter is present to hear what transpires.

Synonyms for alter

Antonyms for alter

Related Words

Word Forms

• alters
• altering
• altered
• altre

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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