plural alterations
Synonyms of alteration
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every month, those cameras capture billions of license plates and other details about cars, including makes, models, colors and any alterations. Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 Projects such as new construction, additions, alteration or repairs, grading, retaining and fence walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and use of land permits would qualify for fast-tracking. City News Service, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 Despite their homecoming there will be no alteration to their roles as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, USA TODAY understands. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 There are genetic alterations that are more prevalent in TNBC. Maggie Donahue, HEALTH, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alteration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alteration was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification
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