Definitions

formerly

[fawr-mer-lee] / ˈfɔr mər li /

ADVERB

previously in time or order

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already earlier heretofore once

STRONG

erstwhile

WEAK

a while back aforetime anciently at one time away back back back when before before now before this down memory lane eons ago erewhile in former times in the olden days in the past lately long ago of old of yore olden days once upon a time radically some time ago time was used to be water under the bridge

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future presently subsequently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Indeed, chimps have been documented killing each other before, but usually one-off in events rather than in conflict between distinct groups that were formerly united.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

In Wednesday’s premarket trading Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, was more than 6% higher, at around $174, and bitcoin was 4% better, at around $78,200.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Most cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, that began spreading in California and the U.S. in 2022 have been the Clade II strain.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

World, formerly known as Worldcoin, is part of Tools for Humanity, a start-up co-founded and chaired by Sam Altman who is also the head of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Jewel was a formerly homeless folk singer who gained popularity in the nineties.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Vocabulary lists containing formerly

Commonly Confused Words, List 1

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Commonly Confused Words, List 3

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Commonly Confused Words, List 7

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