English · Word Candidate

alter

/ˈɒl.tə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: alters · altering · altered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To change the form or structure of.

Verb

Examples

Near-synonym: tweak

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To become different.

Verb

Examples

[…] Passing the song of the hermit bird and the tallying song of my soul, / Victorious song, death’s outlet song, yet varying ever-altering song, […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

One of the personalities, identities, or selves in a person with dissociative identity disorder or another form of multiplicity.

Noun

Examples

While the second goal would be best met if each alter were coconscious, the defendant should be satisfied if at least one competent alter is present to hear what transpires.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “alter” mean?

To change the form or structure of.

Is “alter” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.