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 visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Lakers next play Thursday night here against the Mavericks, Doncic’s former team.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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The location at Persimmon Place just north of Interstate 580 features indoor and patio seating in a spot that formerly housed Patxi’s Pizza.—
Linda Zavoral,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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After the league phase wrapped up back in mid-December 2025, the UEFA Women’s Champions League returns with knockout playoff rounds with the best 12 teams remaining to compete for the league’s trophy (formerly known as the UEFA Women’s Cup).—
Rudie Obias,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Given James is 41 years old, there was always going to be load management absences, especially on back-to-backs.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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Brain game may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s A certain type of brain training appears to prevent or delay dementia by some 25% in people older than age 65.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Ukraine once again confirmed its positions on the Donbas issue.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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That ability, once reserved for living nervous systems, could reshape how robots interact with the physical world and with humans in particular.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Yakitori's menu also features several specialty items inspired by Chapman's soul food background, likely not found at other Japanese steakhouses.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
10 Feb. 2026
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As for sales at Kering’s other brands, Saint Laurent was stable in Q4, marking another quarter of improvement, while Bottega Veneta was up 3%.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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