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 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

Time was when a literary score-settling by erstwhile lovers like Philip Roth and Claire Bloom took months or years to play out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

Understandably, the sight of Johnny wielding a broom, carrying charcoal, firewood, water, had not quickly lost its fascination for his erstwhile slaves.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes