erstwhile

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.

Nevertheless, his message dovetailed with some fresh commentary noting how erstwhile darlings of Big Tech, in particular, have been so badly hit that they are now highly attractive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The Suez moment marked the psychological transformation of two erstwhile great powers into medium powers with limited ability to influence the world around them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The erstwhile interim U.S. attorney, then, is in a pickle of his own making.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

By the early aughts, erstwhile edgy rock stars like Courtney Love and Nina Gordon swapped their torn fishnets and rumpled slip dresses for French manicures and blown-out coifs.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

I am terrified, especially at the beginning, of being recognized by some friendly business owner or erstwhile neighbor and having to stammer out some explanation of my project.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich