at first blush

phrase

: when first seen or considered
At first blush, the proposal seems ridiculous.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At first blush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20first%20blush. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on at first blush

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster