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

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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 inceptions McKenzie went 17 for 28 with 295 yards and two inceptions for the Eagles (3-3, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inceptions

Noun

Amin Joseph is 46, playing Sonny Liston, who was in his early-to-mid 30s, but Liston was an old 33, having spent years in prison after his rough and impoverished beginnings.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
The women to Vermont State-Castleton in overtime, the men to Johnson & Wales, but this was a night about beginnings, everything that happened a first.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

The 2016 Cubs, along with the Toronto Blue Jays that year, are the last to have five pitchers each make at least 29 starts during a regular season.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Both teams got off to sluggish starts with the Nets taking a 12-10 lead on Randle's 3-pointer with less than five minutes left in the first quarter.

— CBS New York Team, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of starts

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

All four films contend with the tech alphas trying to remake our lives in their image.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of alphas

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“Inceptions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inceptions. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of inceptions

noun

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