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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 Alpha-gal syndrome occurs when a tick bite triggers an immune reaction to a molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (long for alpha-gal) that’s found in food products like beef, pork, dairy, and, separately, tick saliva. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • One thing that has changed since the beginning of the charter is the relationship between cabinmates Kat and Gen, who used to be close until Gen got a little too comfortable.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That equipment ultimately failed to lure back shoppers and the company conducted another round of layoffs at the beginning of the year.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of beginning
Noun
  • Bryce Riley added on to his impressive start for the Blackhawks, rushing for 70 yards and two TDs on 10 carries.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Read this book for hilarious jokes, different types of friends, and fresh starts.
    — Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of start
Noun
  • Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher Ahman Green, who recently announced his diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, will get the Matthew Thomas Robinson Courage Award.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • After the show, the remainder of the tour was halted by the onset of COVID-19, and the rescheduled shows were later canceled due to health complications related to Dion’s stiff-person syndrome diagnosis.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of onset
Noun
  • How development slowdown talks could impact RSI A key challenge labs face — and have been facing essentially since the technology’s inception — is ensuring their safety measures advance alongside the models’ capabilities.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Although there have been significant wins for LGBTQ+ equality since its inception, Thorud said the organization faces similar issues to those of 35 years ago, including a lack of representation for transgender and nonbinary journalists.
    — Kat Tran, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of inception
Noun
  • Pakistan routinely accuses Kabul of allowing militants, particularly the Pakistani Taliban, to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks across the border.
    — MUNIR AHMED, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The new 280-footer, currently known as Project 410, will become the world’s largest sloop upon launch.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of launch
Noun
  • The commencement of large payments before the works are completed has created the timing gap referred to above, squeezing liquidity in the immediate term.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Compton-Rock shared a sweet Instagram post from her daughter’s commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California on Monday, May 18.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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