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 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 Andrijasevic doesn’t mind being seen as an alternative to the harder, alpha-male side of streamer culture. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026 Earlier this year, astronomers with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) created a different kind of 3D map using faint Lyman-alpha emission from hydrogen between galaxies. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026 In particular, because the blood group B antigen closely resembles alpha-gal, individuals with type B blood appear to have a lower risk of developing AGS, possibly owing to partial immune tolerance. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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