as in beginnings
the point at which something begins
money is not the alpha and omega—the beginning and end—of life's purpose
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Recent Examples of alphas
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alphas
Noun
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This is a year of new beginnings, adventures and major changes.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Gerrymandering as a practice goes back to the beginnings of the republic—the term comes from maps drawn under Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Roony has spent the season in Yamal’s shadow, making just eight starts.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cole, meanwhile, is two starts into his assignment following Tommy John surgery.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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By moving some commencements away from increasingly costly private sites, the financially ailing school district could have saved about half a million dollars a year.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alphas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alphas. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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