heretofore

adverb

here·​to·​fore ˈhir-tə-ˌfȯr 

ˌhir-tə-ˈfȯr

: up to this time : hitherto

heretofore unimaginable possibilities

I tell you now what we have heretofore kept secret from you

—A. C. Whitehead

Synonyms of heretofore

• yet
• so far

Examples of heretofore in a Sentence

Heretofore her writing has never displayed such depth of feeling.

This technology has created heretofore unimaginable possibilities.

Recent Examples on the Web

She’s perfectly matched by her Kinds of Kindness co-star Plemons, exhibiting a heretofore untapped volatility, and by newcomer Aidan Delbis, who plays the neurodivergent accomplice caught in the middle. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025

Having weathered so many punches heretofore, the viewer is more likely to be numb than moved. —Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

This is particularly newsworthy in part because Powell has been consistent heretofore in giving emphasis to the priority need to restrain inflation. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025

The 49ers have been using Lucas, heretofore a nickel cornerback, on the outside this week and Robinson, mainly an outside cornerback, on the inside. —Matt Barrows, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heretofore

• conquistador
• forevermore
• hereinbefore
• kinetochore
• kwashiorkor
• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor

Kids Definition

heretofore

adverb

here·​to·​fore ˈhi(ə)rt-ə-ˌfō(ə)r 

-ˌfȯ(ə)r;

ˌhirt-ə-ˈfō(ə)r, 

-ˈfȯ(ə)r

: up to this time