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
Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Mary’s only recourse is to try scheming with Kamilla and Star, the latter of which brands their erstwhile underdog alliance as piranhas, small and poised to attack.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 1 May 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
Liberal internationalism meant, crucially, trading with erstwhile enemies.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Mary’s only recourse is to try scheming with Kamilla and Star, the latter of which brands their erstwhile underdog alliance as piranhas, small and poised to attack.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 1 May 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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Here’s where the focus lies on offense. QBs coach Mark Brunell: Hendon Hooker An obvious one here, but Hooker is the most important developmental task for Brunell — a former NFL QB himself.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Recently, James was seen training with former champion Charlotte Flair, further fueling speculation that her return is imminent.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adverb
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On its face, the action was taken to close loopholes that in some cases allowed dozens of backyard apartments on formerly single-family-home lots.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 June 2025
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The Rancho Cordova Police Department said in a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, around 9:40 p.m. that southbound Sunrise Boulevard near Gold Country Boulevard was closed due to a vehicle accident and warned drivers to use an alternate route.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Sculpting a modern tale about a porcelain company that’s 250 years old has a lot to do with understanding how younger generations come together, dine and entertain.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
17 June 2025
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International students make up about 27% of the student body at the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Adverb
-
It’s only happened once before, but never by a starter.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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Those two outings marked his strongest stretch of the year—offering a glimpse of the command that once defined him.—
Kaitlyn Pohly,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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However, unlike other recent revivals, which have incorporated legacy characters’ children, fans shouldn’t expect Scrubs 2.0 to prominently feature the offspring of JD and Elliott, Turk and Carla, or Cox and Jordan.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
17 June 2025
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Unlike other members of the royal family, Princess Eugenie and her husband share candid moments on social media.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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