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Showing results for at first. Search instead for abwehrst.
Definitions

at first

ADVERB
originally
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basically formerly
STRONG
primitively
WEAK
at the outset at the start by birth by origin first in the beginning in the first place incipiently primarily to begin with
Antonyms
WEAK
secondarily
ADVERB
primarily
Synonyms
WEAK
at the start first and foremost from the start in the first place initially originally primitively
Antonyms
WEAK
finally 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.

The Morelli sibs’ involvement gets more and more fruitlessly complicated, though Messrs. Ivanir and Kuzum get to stretch beyond what at first seem clichéd roles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

The Suffolk County Police Department did not involve federal investigators in the probe at first, and leaders of the investigation faced separate scandals.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

It may seem minor at first, but even small disturbances can build up over time and interfere with the entire sequence.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

It was love at first sight, an experience the now-63-year-old says he hadn’t had before—and hasn’t since.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Mrs. Tracy seemed confused at first, but then said, “Will the people in row two please move back one seat each.”

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott