easy
We alternate turns during the game.
What does Alternate mean?
Alternate means to take turns or use another choice.
Dictionary definition
To take turns or switch back and forth; or another choice used in place of the usual one.
Example sentences
Alternate in a sentence
medium
The pattern used alternate colors: blue, yellow, blue, yellow.
hard
The teacher chose an alternate plan when the projector stopped working.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice alternate in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Alternate
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does alternate mean?
Alternate can mean switching back and forth or using another option.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to alternate?
Switch is close in meaning to alternate in this dictionary entry.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of alternate?
Repeat contrasts with alternate in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Alternate
Voice settings
Sounds like
awl · ter · nayt · strongest beat: awl
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordAlternate.
Partverb, adjective, noun.
MeaningAlternate means to take turns or use another choice.
ExampleExample: We alternate turns during the game.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- awl · ter · nayt
- Strongest beat
- awl
- Ending
- nayt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on awl.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced alternate.
Synonyms
Words like Alternate
switchUse when changing back and forth.
substituteUse for something used instead of another option.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice alternate synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "We took an alternate route when the path was closed," then compare close word choices. Practice alternate synonyms.
Word family
Alternate word family
Base word
alternate
verb
alternated
Took turns or switched back and forth in the past.
adjective
alternating
Switching back and forth.
noun
alternative
Another choice or option.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Alternate
Hint for students
Alternate means to take turns or use another choice.
Common mix-up
Alternate is not the same as repeat. Alternate means alternate means to take turns or use another choice.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The pattern used alternate colors: blue, yellow, blue, yellow. Clue words: pattern, used, colors. Underline clue words that show why alternate fits instead of repeat. Now write one new sentence that shows alternate without using the word alternate. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show alternate?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The pattern used alternate colors: blue, yellow, blue, yellow." Why does alternate fit better than repeat?
Learning activities
Practice Alternate and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice ALTERNATE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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