Synonym Chooser

How is the word former distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of former are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When would antecedent be a good substitute for former?

The synonyms antecedent and former are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could anterior be used to replace former?

The meanings of anterior and former largely overlap; however, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When is foregoing a more appropriate choice than former?

The words foregoing and former are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When can preceding be used instead of former?

While the synonyms preceding and former are close in meaning, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of former?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage
a prior obligation

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 former David’s documentary included interviews from his former Manchester United colleagues, paparazzi and even Anna Wintour. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 That’s exactly what has happened with former Buckingham Palace butler Grant Harrold, who has just written a book titled The Royal Butler. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025 Bowlan had thrown a no-hitter for the Wilmington Blue Rocks — now a former Royals’ High-A affiliate. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 Now, the podcaster struggles with her former friend's fame and success, while Althea seems to enjoy boasting about her status. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
Adjective
  • While Russia obsesses over Ukraine, its erstwhile friends and clients are quietly slipping away.
    Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The decisions ultimately have dire consequences for both the erstwhile pals and everyone else living on Inisherin.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In July, a judge said Decarlos Brown might not be mentally capable of understanding previous charges against him.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The two sides reached terms on a renewal after a short-term extension to their previous pact, averting a blackout of Fox News and other nets on YouTube TV.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid the album's release, Justin shared several clips and photos on Instagram of billboards and projections in various locations around the world featuring a photo with his 1-year-old son Jack Blues, and himself and his wife, 28, with the little one.
    Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.
    Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Kirk’s path to national prominence was unlike that of other MAGA icons.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on former

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