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
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
La Dolce Vita and the Minerva, which occupies the erstwhile palazzo of 17th-century aristocrats, debuted last April.
—Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
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
Directed and co-written by Alexandre Rockwell, the film follows an aspiring filmmaker (Steve Buscemi) who falls in with an irresistibly charming gangster (Seymour Cassel, who won Sundance’s first acting award) as his erstwhile producer.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
La Dolce Vita and the Minerva, which occupies the erstwhile palazzo of 17th-century aristocrats, debuted last April.
—Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
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
-
Current council member Cameron Nave vied for his seat, to which he was appointed last year, against former council member Bill Garnos.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Australian Special Air Service Association, which represents current and former members of the elite regiment, said some may be required to testify against former comrades.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
For a little while, at least — at the Charlotte high school formerly called Vance — Christy Martin wasn’t Christy Martin.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Older Kindles needed to install a software update in 2016 to maintain their access to the Kindle Store, and Kindles with 3G cellular connectivity (formerly known as Whispernet) lost that capability when 3G networks were shut down in the early 2020s.—
Andrew Cunningham,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Since 2023, a Sasquatch figure — similar to the one in the old Jack Link’s Beef Jerky ads — has appeared atop the Royals Hall of Fame in left field after Pasquantino reaches base.—
PJ Green
April 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Not yet able to buy an alcoholic drink, Knueppel is only 20 years old.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The Granville Suite, once military reception rooms, is named after Christine Granville, rumored lover of Ian Fleming and apparently Churchill’s favorite spy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
For once in his life, Sting manages to add some sensitive harmonies without trying to steal the show.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Global oil supply has reduced by 13%, according to the IMF, while severe damage has been done to other critical supply chains.—
Joseph Wilkins,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Earlier in the season Schumaker talked about the importance of a well-rounded team to win and while Eovaldi and deGrom struggled in their first three starts other members from the starting rotation stepped up with MacKenzie Gore, Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter all shining.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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