alt
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for alt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A keyboard modifier key used together with other keys to trigger alternate commands.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use alt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin altus, "high" — the same root as "altitude" and "alto".
Full origin of alt →Frequently asked questions
What does “alt” mean?
The word “alt” means a keyboard modifier key used together with other keys to trigger alternate commands. In plain terms, either the Alt key on a keyboard, or slang for a backup/secondary account online.
How do you pronounce “alt”?
“Alt” is pronounced awlt (/ɑlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “alt” in a sentence?
Here is “alt” used in a sentence: “Press Alt and Tab together to switch windows.”
What part of speech is “alt”?
“Alt” is a noun.
Where does the word “alt” come from?
The word “alt” comes from Latin. From Latin altus, "high" — the same root as "altitude" and "alto".
Is “alt” a common word?
“Alt” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “alt” have?
“Alt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a keyboard modifier key used together with other keys to trigger alternate commands.
What is the difference between the "Alt" key and the "Ctrl" key?
Both are keyboard modifier keys used together with other keys to trigger alternate commands, but they typically control different shortcuts depending on the software and operating system. Neither key does anything meaningful on its own.
What does "alt" mean in gaming or on social media?
In gaming and social media, "alt" informally refers to a secondary or alternate account, often used alongside a person's main account for a different purpose, such as testing or privacy.
Is "alt" the same on Mac keyboards as on Windows keyboards?
Mac keyboards often label the equivalent key "Option" rather than "Alt," though it serves a similar function as a modifier key used with other keys to trigger alternate commands.