The meaning of ALTERNATIVE is offering or expressing a choice. How to use alternative in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Alternative.

/ ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv / B2 something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice: an alternative to an alternative to coffee

ALTERNATIVE definition: 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. See examples of …

· As an adjective, alternative can mean "allowing or requiring a choice between two or more things," as in We wrote an alternative statement in case the first was rejected by the board.

If one thing is an alternative to another, the first can be found, used, or done instead of the second.

Mar 23, 2026 · Adjective alternative (not comparable) Relating to a choice between two or more possibilities.

Factsheet What does the word alternative mean? There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word alternative. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.