alteration
noun
al·ter·a·tion
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 
plural alterations
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
Synonyms
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
Inquiries about proper sealing of evidence, the chain of custody and the training of those collecting evidence have all led to questions about whether those things can impact contamination, alteration or loss of evidence.
—
James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024
What started as a brick-and-mortar tailoring shop evolved into an online platform, thanks to the 2020 lockdown, offering convenient alterations services accessible to customers across the United States.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Regarding the mental aspect, users may experience alterations in perception and mood swings, while hallucinations are rare occurrences yet possible.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
The slouchy denim drapes low and loose along the hips—and if, by chance, the pants are a little long for your liking, Reformation offers free alterations.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
But where artists like Mr. Smithson used bulldozers and earthmovers to create radically monumental alterations in the landscape, Mr. Singer let nature take the lead.
—Clay Risen, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Fortunately, that one alteration near the end of the song worked, and Huff flew it into the rest of the single.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2024
The alteration is also expected to increase the value of special teams players — the players on any NFL squad who typically haven't yet made the cut for a full-time spot on an offensive or defensive lineup.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024
Keep an eye out for items that stand out to you, and be flexible, which can mean building up a collection over time or making minor alterations to a piece.
—Ronita Choudhuri-Wade Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024
What started as a brick-and-mortar tailoring shop evolved into an online platform, thanks to the 2020 lockdown, offering convenient alterations services accessible to customers across the United States.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Regarding the mental aspect, users may experience alterations in perception and mood swings, while hallucinations are rare occurrences yet possible.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
The slouchy denim drapes low and loose along the hips—and if, by chance, the pants are a little long for your liking, Reformation offers free alterations.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
But where artists like Mr. Smithson used bulldozers and earthmovers to create radically monumental alterations in the landscape, Mr. Singer let nature take the lead.
—Clay Risen, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Fortunately, that one alteration near the end of the song worked, and Huff flew it into the rest of the single.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2024
The alteration is also expected to increase the value of special teams players — the players on any NFL squad who typically haven't yet made the cut for a full-time spot on an offensive or defensive lineup.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024
Keep an eye out for items that stand out to you, and be flexible, which can mean building up a collection over time or making minor alterations to a piece.
—Ronita Choudhuri-Wade Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alteration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to alteration
Dictionary Entries Near alteration
Cite this Entry
“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alteration
noun
al·ter·ation
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification
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