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 numbers of migrants coming in both directions had been small at first.

From BBC

At first, I wasn’t sleeping well, partly because Mom talks in her sleep.

From Literature

I resist at first, but she starts to do some ridiculous dance moves and I can’t help but join her.

From Literature

“It’s rough at first, isn’t it?”

From Literature

At first, I don’t know what I’m looking at.

From Literature