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.

The 2,850-acre laboratory complex was formerly used for rocket engine testing and nuclear research and is currently undergoing a state-led environmental cleanup.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

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

X -- the platform formerly known as Twitter -- is a social media site where users post short messages and videos, share news and debate politics.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Mr. Briggs formerly served as U.S. ambassador to Panama, Honduras and Portugal.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

But possibly her skin’s gone numb; possibly she feels nothing, like one formerly scalded.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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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