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
Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
But such inadvertent collaboration with an authoritarian administration can have a devastating impact on civic and opposition groups as they are simultaneously targeted by the government and shunned by erstwhile supporters.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 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
The erstwhile quarterback for the Judases should just stay home with Madison Beer, his erstwhile girlfriend, maybe take in a movie.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
But such inadvertent collaboration with an authoritarian administration can have a devastating impact on civic and opposition groups as they are simultaneously targeted by the government and shunned by erstwhile supporters.
—Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Dec. 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 winning bid for the rare card was placed by venture capitalist AJ Scaramucci, the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Sun Belt is the only real exception, having now defined itself as FBS’ actual Southeastern conference, partly by losing its former oddballs like Idaho and New Mexico State.—
Jason Kirk,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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In addition to Chervinsky, the organization’s founding team is composed of policy counsel Brad Bourque, formerly an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, and policy director Salah Ghazzal, previously policy lead at Variant.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
18 Feb. 2026
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InVideo, which counts Tiger Global and Peak XV (formerly Sequoia Capital India) among its backers, claims a user base of over 50 million across 190-plus countries and has raised more than $50 million in venture funding.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The oldest American woman to compete in the women’s singles event in nearly a century now sits in a distant 13th place ahead of the 4-minute free skate on Thursday night.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Lowenthal has spoken highly of Australia’s similar ban, which went into effect in December and bans accounts for all children under 16 years old.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Cherry Creek’s boys and girls tennis teams once put up state-title streaks of 19 straight each.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
22 Feb. 2026
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What was once part of Victoria Harbour is now Hong Kong’s dedicated hub for arts and culture.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Acclaimed Black music artists like Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn and Cab Calloway stopped at Dooky Chase's post-performance, unable to patronize other establishments.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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While 657 classified positions have been identified for closure, the district spokesperson said the final number of layoffs has not yet been determined and is expected to be lower due to retirements and other personnel moves.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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