1
2
as in earlier
so as to precede something in order of time
if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of formerly
Some Dunkin' fans on X, formerly Twitter, have said the code no longer works.
—
Chris Sims, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
The streamer is coughing up some $150 million over the next three years for the rights to carry a total of nine sessions of baseball, a bare bones roster that includes the annual opener, the Field of Dream games formerly hosted by Fox and the Home Run Derby.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The Illinois men’s basketball account on X, formerly Twitter, posted a clip of a postgame celebration featuring Mirković sitting on top of a locker during the Illini’s traditional squirt gun fight.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Freddy Bharucha, formerly president, global personal care, was appointed CEO, P&G Beauty, at the end of last year, taking the reins from Alex Keith.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Chris Sims, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
The streamer is coughing up some $150 million over the next three years for the rights to carry a total of nine sessions of baseball, a bare bones roster that includes the annual opener, the Field of Dream games formerly hosted by Fox and the Home Run Derby.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The Illinois men’s basketball account on X, formerly Twitter, posted a clip of a postgame celebration featuring Mirković sitting on top of a locker during the Illini’s traditional squirt gun fight.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Freddy Bharucha, formerly president, global personal care, was appointed CEO, P&G Beauty, at the end of last year, taking the reins from Alex Keith.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
Adverb
-
White once again led the Hornets’ bench brigade, tossing in 16 points to go with four rebounds and two assists.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Hikes to your overnight at San Pedrillo Station are longer and slower, and you’ll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime immersion in the pristine jungle.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
United Teachers Los Angeles, which represents about 37,000 teachers, and SEIU Local 99, which represents roughly 30,000 school support staff, have already set April 14 as a potential strike date if contract agreements are not reached with the district.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Poehling already has a career high in points and is one shy of his personal best for goals.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Tobolowsky previously rejected motions from other Gateway elders, ruling that the suit was not a religious issue and could be handled in secular court.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Trump also previously refused to rule out deploying soldiers.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Like many hotels in Japan, the staff here are specifically trained to assist disabled guests, but calling ahead to notify the staff of your needs will go a long way to smoother experience.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Being gentle with yourself is a form of bravery, so go ahead and indulge your softer side.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Two diplomats said the meeting of the council's 15 members and the vote were set for Saturday morning, rather than Friday as earlier planned.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Mark Vientos reached base safely four times, but slugger Juan Soto exited early with right calf tightness.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
