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.

Hasley was formerly married to actor Robin Riker, best known for her roles on “Brothers” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Her late father, Alberto Fujimori, was formerly the president of Peru and was eventually jailed for crimes against humanity.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who formerly worked in economic development at the Salt River Project, a federal utility in the Phoenix area, said she sees parallels to an earlier boom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

According to the plan unveiled two years ago, the developers also hope to transform the island of Sazan -- formerly a communist secret military base -- into a glitzy tourist destination.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

We had created a new community of formerly condemned prisoners in Alabama who had been illegally convicted or sentenced and received new trials or sentencing hearings.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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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