ORIGINALLY Synonyms: 10 Similar and Opposite Words

originally

adverb

ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē

Definition of originally

as in initially

in the beginning we originally planned to go out tonight, but we changed our minds

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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 originally Kratos had originally designed the engine around applications that included a weapon like JDAM LR. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 In a role originally played by Al Corley, soap opera alum Jack Coleman took over as Steven, one of the first gay main characters on American television, in season 3. — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Aug. 2026 The show was originally supposed to open in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Broadway. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026 The Chang'e-7 spacecraft was originally set to lift off in the coming days from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on China's southern Hainan Island. — Miles Doran, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for originally

Recent Examples of Synonyms for originally

Adverb

Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
In one simulation, the AI initially assigned a 72% probability that a nearby vessel was simply passing through.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of initially

Adverb

Summary The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling to meet high expectations this season, primarily due to the unexpected offensive slump of star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Diamondback Energy Mehta is also bullish on Diamondback Energy, an independent oil and natural gas company focused on energy reserves that are primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas.

— TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of primarily

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originality

originally

originals

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“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originally. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of originally

adverb

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