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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.

A. The Iran war jolted markets at first and drove the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite into a correction, off at least 10% from its high.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The latest exuberance in equities did not reflect as broad and generous a market bounce as it might appear at first glance.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Slowly at first, but business picked up and DeVaux started winning bigger races.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

That might not seem strange at first glance.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

It’s hot and humid and I’m grumpy at first.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison