Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Initially” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
At the start or beginning; in the first place or at first.
Meaning of Initially
At the beginning or first stage; at first.
How to Pronounce Initially
IPA: /ɪˈnɪʃəli/ Stress: Oooo
Stress on first syllable /ɪ/. Four syllables: i-NISH-uh-lee. The final syllable has a schwa vowel /li/.
4 Synonyms for Initially — Words Similar to Initially
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
originally
/əˈrɪdʒənəli/At the start or beginning; before any changes.
Example: She originally planned to study medicine, but chose law instead.
Smart Synonyms for Initially — When to Use Each
at first
most common informal way to say initially
originally
emphasizes the first intention or plan
ultimately
opposite meaning—the final outcome
Antonyms of Initially — Opposite Words
How to Use Initially and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- Initially, I was nervous about speaking in public. B1
- The team initially planned to finish by Friday. B1
- Initially, the research seemed promising, but later results contradicted the findings. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Initially
What is another word for "initially"?
Common synonyms for "initially" include: at first, at the start, originally, firstly.
What can I say instead of "initially"?
Try one of these alternatives: at first, at the start, originally, firstly. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "initially" formal or informal?
"initially" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "initially" instead of "at first"?
Use "initially" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "at first" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "initially"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "initially" include: finally, eventually, ultimately.