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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 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
  • The industry remains near the beginning of its cycle, and the same principles—control over keys, and the routing of decisions—apply well beyond custody, including the issuance of tokenized instruments.
    — Sergey Stopnevich, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The timing of such decisions has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the sport just seven weeks out from the beginning of the regular season, and coaches involved are either fuming or biting their lips until there’s more clarity.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 15 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 groundbreaking occurred in 2018, though construction was delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and by subsequent supply chain issues.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • While researchers have made tremendous headway in diagnosing the disease early and delaying symptom onset, a cure remains elusive, and a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease still has too many gaps.
    — Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 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
  • Firefly Aerospace announced on Wednesday a multi-launch agreement with SSC Space for two Alpha rocket launches from Sweden’s Esrange Space Center.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Nope, the way van den Berg is wired, nothing else made sense but a full-launch cannonball and a hope that everyone around him might notice the splash.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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