INITIALLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

initially

adverb

i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē

Definition of initially

as in originally

in the beginning we initially intended to rebuild our hurricane-damaged home from the ground up

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of initially The Pennsylvania Department of Health initially refused to disclose any details about the two people who died. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 Last year, for AEW All In Texas, the Texas attendance numbers from the Texas government were far lower than numbers that were initially announced. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Seven more calls were successfully challenged before the final out, with only two of the eight disputed pitches initially ruled strikes. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Rosario initially had to hold near second to see if the ball was caught and had just rounded third when Sogard got the ball and the strong throw easily allowed Rutschman to complete the tag. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initially

originally

Adverb

The man who prosecutors say originally gave the gun to Davis is also dead.

— Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
The game, originally scheduled for last Friday, was full of yellow flags.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of originally

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initialing

initially

initials

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“Initially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initially. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of initially

adverb

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