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.

Avid AI users won’t be terribly impressed at first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

"I assumed it was a streetlight at first," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Mejia, who is running for reelection as city controller, said he showed up at a polling place and was at first told he had to register to vote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Inflation began rising sharply during the pandemic in 2021, which most policymakers and forecasters thought at first would be transitory.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

It seemed, at first, to be the cushiony underside of a mushroom.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman