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

What distinguished Didion is her style, so carefully milled as to be not noticed at first.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Third baseman Max Muncy exited in the fifth inning after a collision at first base, and Santiago Espinal replaced him.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Olivia couldn't remember some family members or her own name at first, but a month on from the crash on 5 May, she is preparing to fly home to continue her recovery in Wales.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

You’re usually self-conscious during introductions, but being back in a group of Native people is worth feeling awkward at first, and the feeling is temporary anyway.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith