next best alternative
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- substituteReplacement for another
- replacementWhat takes another's place
alternative · option · consolation · settle · workaround · reserve · standby · default · contingency · tradeoff · almost · makeshift · stopgap · pivot · hedge · insurance · recourse
preference ranking
next best alternativefirst choice
Most preferred option
top choice · last resort · dead last · dream scenario · worst-case scenario
optimality
next best alternativegold standard
Measure of ultimate quality
ideal · ideal solution · perfect fit · best-case scenario · no alternative