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.

Formerly known as the Super Combined, the Alpine Combined features a Super-G run followed by a slalom run to decide the medals.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Formerly known as CBS Studio Center, the Los Angeles lot has been home to generations of landmark television shows including “Gunsmoke” and “Seinfeld.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

Formerly Maduro's vice president, Rodriguez took over after a US bombing raid on Caracas on January 3 ended with his capture and transfer to New York to face drug-trafficking charges.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

Formerly dubbed “The Brick City” for its long-vanished stone industry, Hebron was once a vibrant farm town for families and business owners.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

But as students and staff made the connection between Sasha and the Person Formerly Known as Luke, they absorbed the information without much comment.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

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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