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to begin with



ADVERB
for openers
Synonyms


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.

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The scenario, improbable to begin with, was especially unlikely given that Skalnik was widely known to be an informant.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 10, 2026

Don’t try and latch on to whatever the success is, and then complain that it didn’t work for you when that wasn’t your forte to begin with.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 7, 2026

When you arrive on tour so quickly, nobody knows your weaknesses to begin with, but opponents will get wise to your game and find tactics that work against you.

From BBC Jul. 2, 2026

SpaceX’s initial public offering is set to begin, with an IPO valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion.

From Barron's Jun. 12, 2026

The girl slowed to a walk as if she’d never intended to race to begin with.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez




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