at first

phrase

: at the beginning : initially

Examples of at first in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both leaned toward smaller events at first, but joined big rallies that came up in the last month. — Karen Kasler, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026

Could the onetime Yankee return to New York and solve the Mets’ issues at first base? — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Demby reportedly didn't obey at first, then Raybould said Demby did before running off and leading police on a chase. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for at first

• accursed
• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• outburst
• rehearsed
• reversed