at first

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.

They tend to form gradually as confidence begins to fracture, often invisibly at first.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Officers there were at first confused, then alarmed by the amount she had transferred.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

It’s unassuming at first due to its sheer simplicity.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

"This explains why you feel fine at first but then start to feel sick as the infection becomes established," Julius said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

The wind died and it started to snow, large flakes at first, then small ones that had ice on the edges.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell