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 The game is also the first game back for Belichick, after UNC's bye week last week and his first game back since the news of a new lawsuit by former UNC administrator Chris Clemens, which claims that Belichick was illegally hired for their head coaching position. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 In recent weeks, THR has made several staff promotions and hires, including the elevation of David Katz to editorial director and the hiring of former Vanity Fair correspondent David Canfield as senior entertainment writer and Nick Ducassi as director, social creative and video production. Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025 Which … wow, that’s a lot of recent Phillies playoff action … shoutout to former Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, now running the show in Philadelphia. Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025 After a wildly successful debut, The Golden Bachelor was picked up by ABC for a second season with former NFL player Mel Owens as its next leading man. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
Adjective
  • The erstwhile president and his entourage got on a jet that flew them to Hmeimim, a coastal air base controlled by Russia, which had been his most critical backer in the war.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Worried that Dessalines’s enemies might eventually force upon him the same fate suffered by his erstwhile friend and ally, Christophe refused to be sworn into office.
    Marlene L. Daut September 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The squad were close to previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo and have been coming to terms with his departure.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The donation is twice the size of Scott’s previous donation to the same organization in 2021 and represents 20% of the organization’s fundraising so far.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • About 1,300 people from around the world -- ranging from children as young as 12 years old to elite athletes -- participated in the race.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The last one – the last out of a game, say, or the last victory in a playoff series – is considered the hardest one to achieve, if old adages and the like are to be believed.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This capability could be invaluable for aerospace maintenance and other precision tasks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Informed conclusion here — Whitworth and Fitzpatrick are going to dunk each other in a vat of Skyline Chili, then scream until the cameras cut out.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on former

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