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Synonyms
al·ter·na·tive (ôl-tûŕnə-tĭv, ăl-)

noun 

    1. The choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities.
    2. A situation presenting such a choice.
    3. Either of these possibilities. See synonyms at choice
  2. Usage Problem One of a number of things from which one must be chosen.

adjective 

  1. Allowing or necessitating a choice between two or more things.
    1. Existing outside traditional or established institutions or systems: an alternative lifestyle.
    2. Espousing or reflecting values that are different from those of the establishment or mainstream: an alternative newspaper; alternative greeting cards.
  3. Usage Problem Substitute or different; other.

derivatives

al·teŕna·tive·ly
adverb

usage note

Usage Note: Some traditionalists hold that alternative should be used only in situations where the number of choices involved is exactly two, because of the word's historical relation to Latin alter, “the other of two.” Despite the word's longstanding use to mean “one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen” and the acceptance of this usage by many language critics, a substantial portion of the Usage Panel adheres to the traditional view, with only 49 percent accepting the sentence Of the three alternatives, the first is the least distasteful.  ·  Alternative is also sometimes used to refer to a variant or substitute in cases where there is no element of choice involved, as in We will do our best to secure alternative employment for employees displaced by the closing of the factory. This sentence is unacceptable to 60 percent of the Usage Panel. ·  Alternative should not be confused with alternate. Correct usage requires The class will meet on alternate alternativeTuesdays.