in the beginning

ADJECTIVE

first

Synonyms

STRONGEST

early

STRONG

aboriginal antecedent anterior basic beginning cardinal front fundamental head inaugural initial key leading opening original pioneer premier primary prime primitive

WEAK

elementary first off headmost inceptive incipient introductory lead off number one numero uno primeval primogenial primordial pristine right up front rudimentary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

last

STRONG

ending extra final following second

ADVERB

originally

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basically formerly

STRONG

primitively

WEAK

at first at the outset at the start by birth by origin first in the first place incipiently primarily to begin with

Antonyms

WEAK

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.

Quite a few religions were considered cults in the beginning, Christianity among them, so it does make some sense not to wade too deeply into the finer distinctions.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026

The finale also included a tribute to Cloud and his character, whose absence in the beginning of the season was attributed to Fez serving time.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

"It was a bit difficult in the beginning," Zverev said on court.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

His employment at Bregal was terminated in the beginning of April of this year, a company spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

You spoke with Eduardo, who in the beginning spoke to John.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

in the beginning

Example Sentences

Related Words