noun
ADJ. attractive, constructive, effective, good, radical, useful | acceptable, available, credible, possible, practical, real, realistic, reasonable, satisfactory, serious, suitable, viable Is there a viable alternative to prison? | clear, obvious | cheap, healthy, interesting, safe a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks
VERB + ALTERNATIVE have We have two alternatives. | offer, provide His idea seemed to offer a possible alternative. | seek seeking alternatives to nuclear power | find We'll have to find an alternative.
PREP. ~ for There is no alternative for those with no car of their own. | ~ to Is there an alternative to surgery for this complaint?
PHRASES have little/no alternative (but to) She had no alternative but to do as he said. | leave sb with no alternative (but to) He was left with no alternative but to hobble to the nearest telephone box.