as in former
having been such at some previous time
my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of erstwhile
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 2025
Tesla, led by President Trump’s erstwhile ally Elon Musk, said that costs tied to tariffs have increased by about $300 million.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 July 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
Other major figures in play include Mo’s supportive wife (Alona Tal), the security hire (Gabrielle Ruiz) who convinces them both to spend time at the rifle range, Alan’s erstwhile investment partner (Craig Sheffer) and everybody’s many children and step-children.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 2025
Tesla, led by President Trump’s erstwhile ally Elon Musk, said that costs tied to tariffs have increased by about $300 million.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 July 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
-
On social media, Michaels also spoke about rampant speculation surrounding her relationship with former costar Harper.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Donnie was terminated by the district March 31, according to a letter from former Superintendent Marty Pollio.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
19 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Scott Thomas takes to the driver’s seat with confidence in Vertical’s My Mother’s Wedding (formerly titled North Star) set to hit U.S. theaters on Aug. 8 after its 2023 TIFF debut, with Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Emily Beecham.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant — who created the original British version of The Office — also exec produce along with Howard Klein, Ben Silverman and Banijay Americas (formerly Reveille).—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The fast-growing turbine business accounts for two-thirds of his net worth of $2 billion, with the rest mostly from a stake in the legacy company Triveni Engineering & Industries, which Sawhney’s older brother, Tarun, 51, runs as vice chairman and managing director.—
Anu Raghunathan,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Successive administrations let the old broadcast arms of American government abroad — Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia — slide into well-meaning obsolescence.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Who did the work: Julie Igel has done all the work with help on big projects from her husband Helmut and their gardener, who comes once a month.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The debate was ignited once again in July when Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge torture sites were added to the list, 50 years on from the Communist government’s rise to power.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In the game, 24 players compete against each other to see who can zoom through open-world racetracks the fastest.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
-
For the first time in 36 years, and only the second time ever, the two English giants will kick off their domestic league campaigns against each other in a mouthwatering start to the 2025-26 Premier League calendar.—
Peter South,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share