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Showing results for at first.
Definitions

at first

ADVERB
originally
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basically formerly
STRONG
primitively
WEAK
at the outset at the start by birth by origin first in the beginning in the first place incipiently primarily to begin with
Antonyms
WEAK
secondarily
ADVERB
primarily
Synonyms
WEAK
at the start first and foremost from the start in the first place initially originally primitively
Antonyms
WEAK
finally secondarily

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.

They tend to form gradually as confidence begins to fracture, often invisibly at first.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

While it is unclear why Bucknor missed the call at first base, the rash of overturned ball/strike calls is emblematic of the adjustments umpires and players are making to the automated ball/strike challenge system.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

By comparison with some of the nefarious plotters in that show, Titus is a bit of an also-ran—at least at first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"This explains why you feel fine at first but then start to feel sick as the infection becomes established," Julius said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

I don’t even take in what she’s said at first.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.