The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ALTERATION
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
L
T
E
R
A
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result ALTERATION
- Change weekly alcohol units, perhaps, over time
- Change quota after late shifts
- Developing late, helping to change
- Century covering current key period preceded change
- Helping after silly late change
- Change the blend of tea on trial
- Change blend of tea on trial
- Learner kept in consumed share, for a change
- Heartless row bringing revision
- Oriental at work for a change
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Change" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case change = alteration.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ALTERATION mean?
ALTERATION noun- The act of altering or making different.
- The state of being altered; a change made in the form or nature of a thing; changed condition.