at first

phrase

Synonyms of at firstnext
: at the beginning : initially

Examples of at first in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But O’Donnell argued that decades-long goal was actually hurt at first by having fewer workers. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 While Stowers was sidelined, Griffin Conine made the majority of the starts at first base. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 The rally was gradual at first, and now it's got a head of steam. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Look and feel The Unibook looks unassuming at first glance, somewhere in the neighborhood of an Asus Zenbook. — ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at first

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at first was in the 14th century

Rhymes for at first

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Browse Nearby Words

at fault
at first
at first blush
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Cite this Entry

“At first.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20first. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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