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Showing results for at first.
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.

And yet, though he at first worried he wouldn’t look big enough, Gadd refused to portray Ruben with a chiseled physique conceived for mere aesthetics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

When Dr. Kate Ropp moved from Portland, Ore., to Timaru in 2025, her mother, Jane Young, was also upset at first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

"She sent a message and at first I couldn't make out what she was saying, I was very confused," Jane said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

"It's just literally impossible to predict, except that I think it will be quite slow at first," he said of output.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

“It’s overwhelming at first, but you’re a really good teacher.”

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows