as in initially
in the beginning
we originally planned to go out tonight, but we changed our minds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 originally
Kravitz was originally trained as a K–6 educator in Boone, North Carolina, yet her ambitions stretched beyond the classroom.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
It was originally set to expire in 2021 but was extended for five years.
—Vladimir Isachenkov, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Based in Hamburg, Germany, the company has a fleet of three ships that were originally part of Crystal Cruises.
—Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Spencer was not selected in the 2020 NBA Draft and originally signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in February 2024.
—Nick Friedell, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originally
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
It was originally set to expire in 2021 but was extended for five years.
—Vladimir Isachenkov, Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Based in Hamburg, Germany, the company has a fleet of three ships that were originally part of Crystal Cruises.
—Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Spencer was not selected in the 2020 NBA Draft and originally signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in February 2024.
—Nick Friedell, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originally
Recent Examples of Synonyms for originally
Adverb
-
This instability stands in contrast to the hopes many of the student protesters initially had.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Subsequent border clashes with Cambodia allowed Anutin to recast himself as a wartime leader after his popularity initially slipped because of floods and financial scandals.—
GRANT PECK,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program primarily helps tax filers with incomes below $69,000, those who are disabled and those who are not proficient in English.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Ramsay primarily used Bongi Hlongwane in that role last season, but Knowles has returned the South African to attacking positions, leaving a void on the right side of defense.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/originally. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
