alternative

Pronunciation: /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/

noun

Definition of alternative

One of two or more available possibilities

Synonyms for alternative

alternative in a Sentence

  1. Renewable energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Why alternative Matters for GRE & SAT

"alternative" is a noun that means "One of two or more available possibilities" closely related to words like "option", "choice", "substitute". As a word starting with A, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "alternative" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "alternative" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "alternative" into long-term memory.

How to Remember alternative

One effective way to remember "alternative" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "option" and "choice" and "substitute". When you encounter "alternative" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "One of two or more available possibilities".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "alternative" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable