alter

Formsalters, altering, altered

1. 1
   changeverbtransitive or intransitive

   To change, or make something or someone change, in form, character, course or details, including changing how a person thinks or perceives, as drugs or illness can.

   Engineers can alter the frame to make the bridge stronger.

   She altered the recipe by replacing butter with oil.

   UsageSounds like altar, a table for religious rites. Slightly more formal than change, and common in set phrases like alter course.

   Similarchange, modify, adjust, adapt

   Note

   Shakespeare's Portia says "there is no power in Venice / Can alter a decree established," and the Holy Bible of 1611 has "nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." For a small adjustment, tweak is the lighter word. Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

   • Portia speaks the quoted words in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. gutenberg.org
   • The King James Bible was first published in 1611. en.wikipedia.org
   • The Bible quotation occurs in Psalm 89:34. en.wikisource.org
2. 2
   fit clothesverbtransitive

   To tailor a garment so that it fits the wearer properly.

   A skilled tailor can alter a suit to fit you perfectly.

   They altered the gown twice before the wedding.

   UsageYou have or get clothes altered, or a tailor alters them: get the jacket altered.

   Similartailor, adjust

3. 3
   neuterverbUSCanadatransitive

   To neuter or spay an animal, removing its ability to reproduce.

   Most shelters alter every animal before sending it home.

   They altered the stray cat to help control the local population.

   Similarneuter, sterilize, spay

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