as in former
having been such at some previous time
my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of erstwhile
Adam Gelb, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
But now, with another tough contract negotiation on the horizon, SAG-AFTRA is going to have to push forward without its erstwhile leader from Queens.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty.
—Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for erstwhile
Adjective
As an erstwhile drummer, I was drawn to the movie Whiplash, in which an abusive music instructor played by J.K. Simmons pushes his promising drum student nearly over the brink in his pursuit of perfection.
—Adam Gelb, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
But now, with another tough contract negotiation on the horizon, SAG-AFTRA is going to have to push forward without its erstwhile leader from Queens.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Candidates for the fifth spot include former postseason hero Ian Anderson, erstwhile All-Star Bryce Elder, and rookies AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep.
After winning a surprise world championship in 2021, the Braves had two 100-win seasons without reaching the final round again.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty.
—Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for erstwhile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erstwhile
Adjective
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The funding amounts approved for the 2025-26 school year are $6,864 per student and $7,627 for each former recipient of the Succeed Scholarship, according to the Education Department.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
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The journalists were among 15 people arrested during the July 17 demonstration held in support of Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former Cincinnati Children's chaplain who was detained by ICE several days before.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Leslie Cheek’s formerly private estate opened as a public garden and fine art center in 1960 and today is host to nearly a dozen gardens surrounding the family’s Georgian mansion, which has become a museum.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
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Milwaukee's Office of Community Wellness and Safety was formerly known as the Office of Violence Prevention and is currently housed in the city's Department of Administration.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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People only 21 years or older are allowed to shop at Canna Bloom.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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There is also a sense of neglect at the Cliff and Littleton Road, United’s other academy facilities in Salford, which were once synonymous with the club.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Users can simply mention Spotify in their ChatGPT prompt and connect their account once.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette maintains full editorial control over this article and all other coverage.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the fall equinox and has several other names.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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