initially

adverb

i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce initially (audio)
Definition of initiallynext
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 After Marvel initially renewed the series for Season 2 in March, the studio walked back that decision and canceled the series this week. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2026 He was initially acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates at last season’s trade deadline. — Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 Throughout the Gospels, Jesus initially conceals his identity as the Messiah from even his closest disciples. — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 It was initially ruled offside before video review confirmed the goal. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for initially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for initially
originally
Adverb
  • The case, which was originally filed in 2020, was settled later in 2023 by the client working with his new lawyer.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But economists originally developed the production possibilities frontier to describe the choices facing entire economies.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of originally

Browse Nearby Words

initialing
initially
initials
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Cite this Entry

“Initially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/initially. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on initially

Nglish: Translation of initially for Spanish Speakers

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