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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

As Othello, Mr. Quinn is at first surprisingly soft-spoken, not putting too much polish on the character’s transfixing eloquence—“the Othello music,” as critics have called it—in his recitation of how he won Desdemona’s love.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

That might not seem strange at first glance.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

DeReiss described the nans as "fuming" at first, but the situation quickly softened.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

His sleep was deep and dreamless, and when he woke, he thought at first that no time had passed.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda