alternative alternative /ɔːlˈtɜɹnətɪv/

adjective

1. () Serving or used in place of another  ( substitute , alternate , alternative )
   serving or used in place of another
    An alternative plan
   an alternative plan
   
2. () Necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities  ( alternative )
   necessitating a choice between mutually exclusive possibilities
    Alternative possibilities were neutrality or war
   alternative possibilities were neutrality or war
   
3. Pertaining to unconventional choices  ( alternative )
   pertaining to unconventional choices
    An alternative life style
   an alternative life style
   

noun

1. () One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen  ( option , choice , alternative )
   one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
    What option did I have?
   what option did I have?
    There is no other alternative
   there is no other alternative
    My only choice is to refuse
   my only choice is to refuse