What Is Another Way to Say “At First”?

Looking for synonyms for at first? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say at first.

  • Initially
  • At the outset
  • Originally
  • In the beginning
  • To start with
  • At the start
  • First off
  • Early on
  • In the early stages
  • At the commencement
  • In the first instance
  • At the inception
  • First and foremost
  • In the initial stages
  • Before anything else
  • At the dawn
  • At first glance
  • Primarily
  • At the get-go
  • From the start
  • From the outset
  • In the opening phase
  • At the onset
  • In the first place
  • From the beginning

Want to learn how to say at first professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Initially

Appropriate Use: Referring to the beginning or first stage of a process.
Example: “Initially, the project’s scope was much narrower than it is now.”

2. At the outset

Appropriate Use: At the start or beginning.
Example: “At the outset of the merger, there were several unforeseen challenges.”

3. Originally

Appropriate Use: At first; in the beginning.
Example: “Originally, the software was intended for small businesses only.”

4. In the beginning

Appropriate Use: At the first part; at the start.
Example: “In the beginning, the company focused solely on research and development.”

5. To start with

Appropriate Use: Initially; at the beginning.
Example: “To start with, we will launch the product in select markets.”

6. At the start

Appropriate Use: At the beginning phase or point.
Example: “At the start, the team faced several technical issues.”

7. First off

Appropriate Use: First in a list or series.
Example: “First off, we need to address the budget constraints before proceeding.”

8. Early on

Appropriate Use: At an early stage or phase.
Example: “Early on, it became clear that the strategy needed adjustment.”

9. In the early stages

Appropriate Use: During the initial phase of a process or period.
Example: “In the early stages, the response to our product was lukewarm.”

10. At the commencement

Appropriate Use: At the beginning or start.
Example: “At the commencement of the project, resources were limited.”

11. In the first instance

Appropriate Use: Initially; as the first step.
Example: “In the first instance, please conduct a thorough market analysis.”

12. At the inception

Appropriate Use: At the beginning or start of something.
Example: “At the inception of the company, our goals were very different.”

13. First and foremost

Appropriate Use: More than anything else; primarily.
Example: “First and foremost, we must ensure the quality of our products.”

14. In the initial stages

Appropriate Use: During the first phase or period.
Example: “In the initial stages of development, user feedback is crucial.”

15. Before anything else

Appropriate Use: Prior to any other considerations or actions.
Example: “Before anything else, we need to establish clear objectives for the team.”

16. At the dawn

Appropriate Use: At the beginning, especially of a phenomenon or period.
Example: “At the dawn of the digital era, many traditional businesses had to adapt quickly.”

17. At first glance

Appropriate Use: Based on a quick or initial impression.
Example: “At first glance, the data seems to indicate a positive trend.”

18. Primarily

Appropriate Use: For the most part; mainly.
Example: “The campaign was primarily focused on raising brand awareness.”

19. At the get-go

Appropriate Use: From the very beginning.
Example: “The project’s importance was clear right at the get-go.”

20. From the start

Appropriate Use: From the initial point or moment.
Example: “From the start, we’ve committed to providing excellent customer service.”

21. From the outset

Appropriate Use: From the beginning of an event or process.
Example: “From the outset, there were concerns about the feasibility of the plan.”

22. In the opening phase

Appropriate Use: During the initial part of a process or period.
Example: “In the opening phase, the team’s enthusiasm was particularly high.”

23. At the onset

Appropriate Use: At the beginning of something.
Example: “At the onset of the project, we underestimated the required resources.”

24. In the first place

Appropriate Use: Originally; from the beginning.
Example: “We should have considered the customer’s needs in the first place.”

25. From the beginning

Appropriate Use: Starting from when something began.
Example: “The strategy has evolved significantly from the beginning.”

Linda Brown