alpha

noun

ˈal-fə How to pronounce alpha (audio)
Definition of alphanext
as in beginning
the point at which something begins money is not the alpha and omega—the beginning and end—of life's purpose

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alpha With each member bringing her own distinct charm and personality, Hearts2Hearts looks set to further establish themselves as icons of the Z-alpha generation. — Billboard Japan, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2026 Even if returns are not aided by a weak dollar, investors need to be able to have confidence the stocks will generate alpha over time. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Cox said alpha-synuclein, the misfolded proteins that cause Parkinson's disease, can sometimes start in the gut and spread up the vagus nerve — the nerve that carries signals between your brain, heart and digestive system. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 As Richard searches for meaning, he is pulled into an alpha-male group that promises answers and pushes him further off course. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alpha
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alpha
  1. beginning
  2. start
  3. onset
  4. inception
  5. launch
  6. commencement
Noun
  • Steele’s only two league appearances over the past two seasons came at the beginning of Hurzeler’s reign in 2024-25, when Verbruggen was injured.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Finally, here’s one more restaurant to put on your list, this one at the beginning of its journey.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Before last year’s 2-0 start, Taylor went 1-11 during the first two weeks of the season as a head coach.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • The analysis showed that adults whose AST levels fell below 14 units per liter of blood had a 65% higher likelihood of an early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis compared with peers who had levels in the range of 14 to 29.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
  • While the geological events would occur anyway, one problem is that the onset of the super El Nino phenomenon is setting off more risks of extreme weather worldwide.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • The selection committee has included at least one representative for each team/market since the Hall’s inception in 1963, with an increasing number of at-large selectors more recently.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • McKenna took over the role in 2025 from Charles Mesure, who played the former World Security Bureau boss and intelligence operative since the character's 2023 inception.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • The team had to remove the component, transport it to California, and prepare it for its return to an active launch facility.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Meta's $18 billion social media settlement lifts a legal overhang that some analysts said could clear the way for a wave of new AI product launches.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of launch
Noun
  • Graduates leave Gas South Arena during Emory University's commencement ceremony in 2024.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Graduates at the University of Arizona and University of Central Florida booed mentions of AI during commencement speeches last spring.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of commencement

Browse Nearby Words

alp
alpha
alpha and omega
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alpha.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alpha. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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