to begin with

ADVERB

first

Synonyms

STRONGEST

initially originally

WEAK

ahead at the outset before all else beforehand in the first place to start with

Antonyms

WEAK

finally last

ADVERB

for openers

Synonyms

WEAK

first off for starters

ADVERB

originally

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basically formerly

STRONG

primitively

WEAK

at first at the outset at the start by birth by origin first in the beginning in the first place incipiently primarily

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.

But “The Unknown’s” shape-shifting intrigue stalls out once you realize that none of the characters have a personality to begin with.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Apple announced on Monday night that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO—and the company needs a new era of innovation to begin with his departure.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

That he didn’t follow through makes issuing the threat, to begin with, a huge strategic blunder.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Although the title character creates plenty of speed bumps in the lives of the men and women in Gina Gionfriddo’s tough-minded dark comedy “Becky Shaw,” the terrain was rough to begin with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

He looked thinner than ever, and he was built long and lean to begin with.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon

to begin with

Example Sentences

Related Words