Synonyms of at first

at first

phrase

as in originally

in the beginning

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• originally
• primarily
• initially
• firstly
• to start with
• incipiently
• primitively

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• finally
• ultimately
• lastly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of at first

Eight blue-liners — including Korchinski and Del Mastro — made sense at first, as coach Jeff Blashill ran an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup a few times last season. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Manning did it alone at first, using only his voice to break down quarterbacks. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

This film has been a real adventure, because at first it was supposed to be shot in Italy and in London. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Christian Yelich then cracked a 107 mph line drive up the middle, where Bogaerts went down to his knees to field it on a short hop and scampered to touch second base before throwing out Yelich at first to end it. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026