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.

The King's Trust - formerly known as the Prince's Trust - is supporting a number of people aged 11 to 30 in Birmingham to build confidence, get a job or launch a business.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

In one fell swoop, Congress used its guarantee clause authority to establish multiracial democracy where human bondage had previously held sway, enfranchising huge numbers of formerly enslaved Black Americans and remaking Southern society.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

“These developments are worthy of the scrutiny of policymakers and regulators,” says Sandip Bhagat, chief investment officer at Whittier Trust, who formerly helped oversee Vanguard’s stock funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

People Inc., formerly known as IAC, made an all-cash bid of $48.30 a share for the roughly 74% of MGM that it doesn’t currently own.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

They walk a short way down an adjoining passageway, layers of mud sticking to Bailey’s formerly shiny shoes.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

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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