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.

One community member distrusts dialogue to begin with, calling it a means to “give up something.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 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

The “last line of defense” is shooting down drones, but the goal is to avoid ending up in that situation to begin with, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Abby’s mom walked out as I dabbed a second coat onto a star that really didn’t need it to begin with.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

to begin with

Example Sentences

Related Words