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
Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
The decisions ultimately have dire consequences for both the erstwhile pals and everyone else living on Inisherin.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 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
While Russia obsesses over Ukraine, its erstwhile friends and clients are quietly slipping away.
—Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
The decisions ultimately have dire consequences for both the erstwhile pals and everyone else living on Inisherin.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 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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Since the city does not own the adjacent former Staples building, which Spirit Halloween is leasing, there are no plans for that building to be part of the redevelopment, said Middletown Vice Mayor Steve West.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
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After years of a 4-4-2 being the prevailing setup across Europe in the 1990s, former Manchester City assistant manager Juanma Lillo was an early exponent of the 4-2-3-1 system in the early 2000s during his time in Spain.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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The formerly seven-member CMC headed by Xi has lost three members since 2023 in a string of anti-corruption purges.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
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The latter, the socialite says in the clip, may be caused by her stress amid the aftermath of her divorce from the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The residency blues In politics, fighting over where candidates live is a tale as old as time.—
Hayleigh Colombo,
IndyStar,
24 Oct. 2025
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Lutnick handed the reins of the company to his 27-year-old son, and his other son also works at Cantor.—
Melanie Hicken,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Struggling with a lack of career opportunities, Gen Z is second-guessing the worth of pricey college degrees, which once promised them six-figure jobs.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
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The remaining balance would be paid directly to Black folk once a year.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This belies the question of whether those who are looking to deliver punishment are acting in good faith, a concern that became part of the appeals court decision in the El Salvador case and has subsequently been raised in other courtrooms as well.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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Apart from the free transfer of Canadian striker David, Juventus’ other recruits joined late window.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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