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.

Investors in analog stocks are encouraged by Texas Instruments’ recent commentary suggesting a rebound for the formerly beaten-down category.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

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

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Going, a competing flight-deals service formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, sent 16 mistake-fare alerts last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The reading room, housed right up in the dome of the building, was formerly the chapel of the Royal Bethlehem Hospital—the old Bedlam.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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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