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.
She graciously followed through on that, at first, after losing the primary in a closer-than-expected result.
From Slate ● Oct. 31, 2026
Karl is shy at first, but soon he's happy to be picked up and shown off to the other prisoners.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
Flavio at first denied having contact with Vorcaro, but was forced to backtrack after audio leaked of him imploring the banker to make overdue payments.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
The non-keyboard elements may seem incidental at first, but by the end of the piece they command as much attention as the plaintive melody.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026
“I know you think it’s been about Rhys, but it’s not about that. It was at first, but then it just became a good excuse.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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