Synonyms of formerly

formerly

adverb

ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

1

as in once

at an earlier or previous time

the newspaper formerly known as "The Newsprint"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• once
• erstwhile
• onetime

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recently
• now
• currently
• presently
• lately

2

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• already
• previously
• ahead
• early
• before
• preliminarily
• now
• antecedently
• anteriorly
• afore
• in advance
• shortly
• soon
• beforehand
• first
• prematurely
• presently
• first off
• before long
• a priori
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterward
• subsequently
• after
• behind
• next
• by and by

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of formerly

My Life With the Walter Boys stars Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie Howard, a teenager formerly living in New York City who moves to a small town in Colorado after a tragic accident changes her life forever. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Once uptown’s premier nightlife hub, Queen City Quarter — formerly the Epicentre — is aiming for a comeback with a new venue. — Evan Moore august 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026

SiriusXM hired Jenny Tartikoff, who formerly led communications for Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, as senior vice president and head of communications for the satellite radio and podcast company. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026

Culinary veteran David Robins, formerly of Wolfgang Puck's empire, is consulting, drawn by Epstein's passion and vision for an authentic New York steakhouse. — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026