AT FIRST Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

at first

phrase

Definition of at first

as in originally

in the beginning He was a bit skittish at first, but he's since gotten more comfortable around people.

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Recent Examples of at first Her final album, Rockstar, celebrated a 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that Parton had greeted, at first, with great skepticism. — Ann Powers, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 While the Diamondbacks took batting practice before Tuesday’s game, Banister and Berry laughed together while engaging in a friendly conversation at first base that ended in a hug. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 His nomination at first failed after two Democrats voted against him, citing a lack of experience, but he was later confirmed. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 There’s just enough creative ambition here to seize our attention at first, but frustratingly, all these movies ultimately start playing the same notes. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at first

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“At first.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/at%20first. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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