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.

Tsunamis, formerly known as tidal waves, raz-de-marée in France or maremoti in Italy, are among the most destructive natural phenomena.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Don’t forget xAI merged with debt-laden X, formerly Twitter, in 2025.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

A basket of the Mag Seven hit an all-time high on Friday, but the AI “hyperscalers” among them no longer resemble their formerly lean selves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

His parents were formerly undocumented, just like my dad, and he has been a fierce advocate for immigrants going back to his labor organizing days.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The list of guests included WilliamShort, formerly Thomas Jefferson’s personal secretary in Paris and a lifelong Jefferson protege.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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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