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

After subsequent stints heading up sales at Focus and then The Weinstein Company, Basner created FilmNation in 2008, initially uniquely as a sales company. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026

Officers had initially responded to reports of Stroud brandishing a weapon inside a vehicle. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026

Police later confirmed that five people were arrested, initially on explosives charges. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Sep. 2026

The family initially claimed Ellis acted in self-defense after Matthew entered the home with a knife, but investigators soon questioned that account. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026