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.

YouTube brought its formerly mobile-exclusive Gemini-powered summaries and timestamps to its megapopular TV app in March.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

Eben Shapiro was formerly the global arts editor of The Wall Street Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

In 2023, the company spun off its clinical development business, formerly known as Covance, to create two publicly traded entities and hone its focus on laboratory services.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

She is also a two-time gold medalist and formerly coached at Pepperdine before taking over at Old Dominion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Jewel was a formerly homeless folk singer who gained popularity in the nineties.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

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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