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
Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
As an early example of this, Stephen Griffin, a constitutional law professor at Tulane Law School, points to the Quasi War, a limited naval conflict between the fledgling U.S. and its erstwhile Revolutionary War ally, France.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 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
Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
As an early example of this, Stephen Griffin, a constitutional law professor at Tulane Law School, points to the Quasi War, a limited naval conflict between the fledgling U.S. and its erstwhile Revolutionary War ally, France.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 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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However, a lawsuit against the university by three former women's swimmers over their experience in sharing a team with Thomas is still active.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2025
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Expect early brand decisions In 2021, former CEO Tavares gave the 14 brands, 10 years to justify their existence.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adverb
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The shares are enjoying a floor of support from the formerly resistant $55 level, with a historically bullish trendline just below.—
Schaeffer's Investment Research,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
In 2021, Fendi and Flos B&B Italia (formerly Design Holding) formed Fashion Furniture Design, or FF Design, to develop the Fendi Casa business.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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The older elephants surround it, allowing the youngster to relax and play in the water while being protected from crocodiles lurking nearby.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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In one scene, Agnes is wearing a pair of chunky combat boots, and old, worn pages of her thesis are taped to her window.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
Adverb
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Merrill walked once Wednesday and twice Friday, giving him eight walks in a span of 43 plate appearances.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 June 2025
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The birds were so highly prized that entire economies in Greenland and Iceland were once shaped by the capture and trade of gyrfalcons for royal falconry.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Quintero’s face sits atop organizational charts drawn up by task forces of federal agents, sheriff’s deputies and local police who have long suspected — but could never prove — that he was engaged in extortion, gambling and other crimes, according to law enforcement documents reviewed by The Times.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
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Last year, Capital Classics, which had been staging contemporary plays at other times of years, began directing more resources to its biggest event and now does two Shakespeare plays each summer.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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