INITIALLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

initially

adverb

i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē

Definition of initially next

as in originally

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Knowledge is power At the outbreak of the conflict, Russia initially believed its superior hardware would provide a decisive advantage. —

Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026 Though it was initially viewed as a fringe group, by 2020, Republican politicians who actively embraced QAnon, like Greene, were winning elections — indicating that, at least in some parts of the country, people were buying into it. —

Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026 Giuliani was a reluctant convert, initially preferring New Jersey Governor Chris Christie or former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. —

John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026 The government initially issues them. —

Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for initially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for initially

originally

Adverb

The backstory The Park Hyatt was originally known as Hotel de la Paix.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
Courtney had originally planned to marry her fiancé, Michael, on June 30.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026