at first
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The chain expanded slowly at first, opening five new locations throughout the 1970s.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
When the AI boom began, many chipmakers were at first hesitant to commit significant capital to new capacity after a sharp boom-bust cycle following the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
He said he found it "really cool" at first and felt like "James Bond".
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Nixon acknowledged that China would come in for a flurry of criticism at first.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
The ketchup in the hair is so far in the past I’m not even sure what he’s talking about, at first.
From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell
