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formerly

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adverb for·mer·ly \ˈfȯr-mə(r)-lē\

Definition of formerly

  1. 1 :  at an earlier time :  previously

  2. 2 obsolete :  just before

See formerly defined for English-language learners

See formerly defined for kids

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Examples of formerly in a Sentence

  1. He was formerly a congressman.

  2. the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”

First Known Use of formerly

1534

formerly Synonyms

Synonyms
erstwhile, once, onetime
Antonyms
after, afterward (or afterwards), later
Related Words
a priori, early, prematurely; first, first off, now; before long, erelong [archaic], presently, shortly, soon
Near Antonyms
lately, recently; currently, now, presently

FORMERLY Defined for English Language Learners

formerly

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adverb

Definition of formerly for English Language Learners

  • : at an earlier time : in the past

FORMERLY Defined for Kids

formerly

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adverb for·mer·ly \ˈfȯr-mər-lē\

Definition of formerly for Students

  1. :  at an earlier time They were formerly friends.

Learn More about formerly

  1. See words that rhyme with formerly Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for formerly Spanish Central: Translation of formerly Nglish: Translation of formerly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of formerly for Arabic speakers

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lacking social experience or grace

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  1. scaramouch A new White House communications director

  2. non sequitur “It does not follow”

  3. admiral's mast A massive search ends with an 'admiral's mast'.

  4. calumny 'An untrue statement that is made to damage someone's reputation'

  5. kakistocracy Frustrated Twitter users have been searching for this word.

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Examples: formerly in a Sentence