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

Critics often cited his consultations with women and the formerly enslaved as proof. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2026

Soto, who has Puerto Rican heritage, likely would have clinched his re-election bid easily in his formerly Hispanic-majority district. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Deborah Ortiz, who formerly served on the Sacramento City Council and in the Legislature, also ran in June, as did Tim Riley, a political novice. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Jason White, known for his work with Ye’s (formerly Kanye West) Sunday Service Choir, and Asaph Ward coproduced. — Russ Penuell, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026