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Showing results for at first. Search instead for dachfirsten.
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 highest he has batted is number three - the century against Notts two weeks ago came at first drop.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Tovar reached before Freeman could corral the ball and get it to Klein at first.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

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

This may seem like a paradox at first blush.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

The forest was resistant to them at first, with thorn trees and brambles—but the further in they went, the taller and richer it became.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell