What Is Another Way to Say “For the First Time”?

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

Here’s a list of other ways to say for the first time.

  • Initially
  • Originally
  • At the outset
  • In the beginning
  • To start with
  • From the start
  • At the onset
  • Commencing
  • Inaugurally
  • First off
  • At first
  • As a first step
  • For the first instance
  • In the first instance
  • Starting out
  • At the commencement
  • At the genesis
  • At the initiation
  • At the inception
  • Newly

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

1. Initially

Used to describe the first stage or phase of something.

  • Example: “Initially, the project encountered several obstacles, but it gradually gained momentum.”

2. Originally

Appropriate for indicating the first form or original state of something.

  • Example: “The software was originally designed for small businesses, but it has since evolved.”

3. At the outset

Refers to the beginning or start of something.

  • Example: “At the outset of her career, she worked in several junior roles before advancing.”

4. In the beginning

Used for the very start of an event, process, or period.

  • Example: “In the beginning, the company focused solely on research before expanding into production.”

5. To start with

Suitable for indicating the first point or idea in a list or discussion.

  • Example: “To start with, we need to address the budget constraints of the project.”

6. From the start

Indicates something that has been the case since the very beginning.

  • Example: “Her vision and leadership were evident from the start of her tenure.”

7. At the onset

Used to refer to the beginning of something, especially something negative.

  • Example: “At the onset of the financial crisis, the company took immediate cost-cutting measures.”

8. Commencing

Formal way of indicating the start of something.

  • Example: “Commencing next month, the company will implement a new performance review process.”

9. Inaugurally

Refers to the first instance of an event or process, often in a formal context.

  • Example: “The CEO spoke about the company’s future direction in her inaugural address.”

10. First off

Informal way of introducing the first point or topic.

  • Example: “First off, let’s review the quarterly sales figures before discussing strategy.”

11. At first

Used to describe something that happened in the initial phase or beginning.

  • Example: “At first, the data didn’t reveal any significant trends, but further analysis proved otherwise.”

12. As a first step

Indicates the initial action in a series of actions.

  • Example: “As a first step, we need to conduct a comprehensive market analysis.”

13. For the first instance

Refers to the very first occurrence of something.

  • Example: “For the first instance, the team managed to complete the project under budget.”

14. In the first instance

Formal way of referring to the initial stage or first occurrence.

  • Example: “In the first instance, please direct all your technical inquiries to the IT department.”

15. Starting out

Used to describe the beginning of a process, journey, or career.

  • Example: “Starting out, the startup faced many challenges, but perseverance led to success.”

16. At the commencement

Formal and somewhat archaic way of indicating the beginning of something.

  • Example: “At the commencement of the fiscal year, the company set ambitious growth targets.”

17. At the genesis

Refers to the origin or beginning of something.

  • Example: “At the genesis of the internet era, many traditional businesses were slow to adapt.”

18. At the initiation

Formal way of indicating the start of a process or event.

  • Example: “At the initiation of the merger, there were several regulatory hurdles to overcome.”

19. At the inception

Used for the very start or establishment of something.

  • Example: “At the inception of the project, the goals were clearly defined to ensure alignment.”

20. Newly

Indicates something that has just begun or recently started.

  • Example: “Newly appointed, the director set forth a plan to restructure the department.”

Linda Brown