at first

phrase

Synonyms of at firstnext
: at the beginning : initially

Examples of at first in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
García started at first base and went 2 for 4 after being obtained from Washington on Sunday. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 He’s bounced all around the diamond, spending time at first base, second base, third base, shortstop and left field, and the Arraez trade would’ve provided him with an opportunity to settle into one position for the first time all season. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 There was no notion of beam pattern or glare control at first, just basic visibility in otherwise unlit environments. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Family Meal started off as a pandemic project, at first feeding the restaurant’s employees until business could resume as normal. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at first

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at first was in the 14th century

Rhymes for at first

See All Rhymes for at first

Browse Nearby Words

at fault
at first
at first blush
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At first.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20first. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on at first

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for at first

Nglish: Translation of at first for Spanish Speakers

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