Synonyms of initially

initially

adverb

i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē 

as in originally

in the beginning

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• originally
• primarily
• to start with
• at first
• firstly
• incipiently
• primitively

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• finally
• ultimately
• lastly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of initially

Summary Executive leadership is inherently high-pressure, with crises initially sharpening focus and vigilance. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Lunar Orbiter 1 was initially supposed to orbit the moon for a year, but that was not to be. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026

The Board of Review ultimately sided with Kaegi and Lehman, holding the $70 million value Kaegi had initially set. — Alex Nitkin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

The victim was shot in the hand and foot and was taken to Stroger Hospital, initially in good condition. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026