alter vs change

alter is not a noun while change is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
alter	No	No	Yes	No
change	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, alter and change are synonyms defined as:

alter and change: become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence

Other synonyms of alter include vary.

As verbs, alter and change are synonyms defined as:

alter and change: cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

Other synonyms of alter include modify.

As verbs, change is a hypernym of alter; that is, change is a word with a broader meaning than alter:

Other hypernyms of alter include alter, modify.

alter (noun)	change (noun)
	the action of changing something
	a different or fresh set of clothes
	a thing that is different
	a difference that is usually pleasant
	an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
	the result of alteration or modification
	coins of small denomination regarded collectively
	the balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due
	money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency
	a relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event

alter (verb)	change (verb)
remove the ovaries of	undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation	become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby	change clothes; put on different clothes
make an alteration to	exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
	lay aside, abandon, or leave for another
	remove or replace the coverings of
	become deeper in tone
	change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
	give to, and receive from, one another