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 Elon Musk on Tuesday suggested that President Donald Trump‘s former adviser and close ally, Steve Bannon, will return to prison. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025 The 2006 movie was adapted from former Vogue assistant Lauren Weisberger's book of the same name. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 July 2025 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 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 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
Adjective
  • But the real question is what kind of concrete retribution Trump could try to exact on his erstwhile political ally and campaign donor.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • On the way to the Fordyce’s second floor, the erstwhile opulence along Bathhouse Row becomes evident.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • For example, in March 2024, the UN reported that in the previous year, 100 allegations were reported in peacekeeping and special political missions.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Blue Origin Floating under three red-and-blue parachutes, the New Shepard capsule touched down a stone's throw from the booster's concrete landing pad, closer than any previous landing.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The planes will operate on routes from Chicago and Philadelphia to London before expanding to other destinations like Zurich and Brisbane.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Sometimes, however, the criticism comes not from the party that lost, but from other justices.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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