alternative universe
Different timeline branch
Alternative universe is a hypothetical or fictional reality different from our own, where events unfolded differently or different rules apply.
In physics and philosophy, it refers to theoretical parallel worlds.
In fiction and fan communities, it describes stories that reimagine characters in different settings or circumstances: an alternative universe where the South won the Civil War, a coffee shop AU.
Also called alternate universe or parallel universe.
Equidistant at all points
- dimensionMeasurable extent or scope
- realityWhat actually exists
- timelineOrdered display of events
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
branching · counterpart · doppelganger · variation · possibility · what-if · scenario · hypothetical
Smallest discrete unit
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
- space-timeFused dimensional framework
- wormholeHypothetical spacetime tunnel
singularity · continuum · string theory · inflationary · multidimensional · astrophysics · Everett · superposition
Imaginative mental wandering
- escapismHabitual mental retreat
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- otherworldlySeemingly not earthly
portal · crossover · fanfiction · canon · storyline · narrative · worldbuilding · setting
parallel
Equidistant at all points
divergence · branching · counterpart · doppelganger · variation · possibility · what-if · scenario · hypothetical · reimagining
quantum
Smallest discrete unit
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
- cosmologyStudy of universal structure
- space-timeFused dimensional framework
wormhole · singularity · continuum · string theory · inflationary · multidimensional · astrophysics · Everett · superposition · decoherence
fantasy
Imaginative mental wandering
- escapismHabitual mental retreat
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
otherworldly · portal · crossover · fanfiction · canon · storyline · narrative · worldbuilding · setting · lore
alternative universereality
What actually exists
physical reality · the here and now · objective reality · lived experience · waking life
alternative, universe, alter, alternate, alteration, alternation, alternating, alternator, alternatively