Meaning of 'alternative'

adjective

necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities

Example: "alternative possibilities were neutrality or war"

adjective

pertaining to unconventional choices

Example: "an alternative life style"

adjective

serving or used in place of another

Example: "an alternative plan"

Synonyms: substitute alternate

noun

one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen

Synonyms: option