INCEPTIONS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

inceptions

noun

plural of inception

as in beginnings

the point at which something begins this seemed like a good program at its inception, but it isn't working out as planned

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inceptions

Noun

From those unpromising beginnings, Ondaatje found, in his writing, newness and, in language, a certain freedom.

— Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
It’s been a summer of endings and beginnings for Tom Colicchio.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

Experts said the second earthquake began before the first had even ended, with the two onsets separated by just 39 seconds.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Anxiety disorders can persist into adulthood, particularly those disorders with early onsets and those that are left untreated.

— Elana Bernstein, The Conversation, 13 May 2022

Definition of onsets

Noun

In the past few years, Underwood has come to realize that a bunch of barking alphas may not, in fact, be the best way to build a successful pack.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
As a ballplayer, Kent was as irascible as Bonds; the two alphas reportedly brawled behind clubhouse doors, and famously clashed in the dugout during a 2002 game, when Bonds lunged for Kent’s throat and pushed him against the wall.

— Jeremy Collins, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025

Definition of alphas

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.

Browse Nearby Words

inception

inceptions

inceptive

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Inceptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inceptions. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of inceptions

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on inceptions

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

prowess

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes