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.

"This will prevent serious and irreparable harm to competition in this growing market by Meta's conduct, which at first sight infringes EU competition rules," the commission said.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

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

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“Where it got a little tough for us is they asked for Jared Verse in return,” Snead said, “and similar to what Cleveland did at first, we were a ‘no.’”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 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

I resist at first, but she starts to do some ridiculous dance moves and I can’t help but join her.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy