<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a choice limited to one of two or more possibilities, as of things, propositions, or courses of action, the selection of which precludes any other possibility: You have the alternative of riding or walking.</li><li>Synonyms: selection, option.</li><li>one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen: The alternative to riding is walking.</li><li>a possible or remaining course or choice: There was no alternative but to walk.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>affording a choice of two or more things, propositions, or courses of action.</li><li>(of two things, propositions, or courses) mutually exclusive so that if one is chosen the other must be rejected: The alternative possibilities are neutrality and war.</li><li>employing or following nontraditional or unconventional ideas, methods, etc.; existing outside the establishment: an alternative newspaper; alternative lifestyles.</li><li>Logic: (of a proposition) asserting two or more choices, at least one of which is true.</li></ul>