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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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formerly
Disruption from the Iran war is weighing on spending by luxury consumers in the Middle East, formerly one of the sector's few bright spots amid sluggish growth in former growth driver China and in Europe.
—
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Hill extensively customized the spread during his tenure, most notably painting the boxy structure’s formerly all-white exterior a deep shade of charcoal gray.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 May 2026
Fendi originally terminated its agreement with Luxury Living Group in 2021, when the brand and Flos B&B Italia (formerly Design Holding) formed Fashion Furniture Design, or FF Design, to develop the Fendi Casa business.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
The Spaniard, who is a former lawyer and investment banker, has been heavily involved since the takeover of October 2021, and was formerly appointed to Newcastle’s board in January 2025.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Hill extensively customized the spread during his tenure, most notably painting the boxy structure’s formerly all-white exterior a deep shade of charcoal gray.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 May 2026
Fendi originally terminated its agreement with Luxury Living Group in 2021, when the brand and Flos B&B Italia (formerly Design Holding) formed Fashion Furniture Design, or FF Design, to develop the Fendi Casa business.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
The Spaniard, who is a former lawyer and investment banker, has been heavily involved since the takeover of October 2021, and was formerly appointed to Newcastle’s board in January 2025.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
Adverb
-
Just behind the cineplex and beyond the route of the busway, are 34 acres once occupied by a scrap metal yard acquired by the city in a foreclosure in 2021.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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A lot had changed since; to many younger people, including Glick’s students, the men’s once radical ideas were common sense.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Adverb
-
According to the source, Foxx (who is already a dad of two) was working on getting his career back in order after his medical issues, leading to his brief breakup from Huckstepp.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Farmers like Maung Nu Sein were already grappling with low rice prices as well as soaring fuel and food costs due to the civil war and the military’s blockade of their coastal state.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
Adverb
-
The Fan Favorite is awarded $100,000 by Sia, who has previously personally awarded the players she's loved the most.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
-
Hundreds of miles downriver from the Big Bend, in the Rio Grande Valley, wall construction has been proceeding at a rapid pace, threatening areas—a historic chapel, a wildlife refuge, a state park, the National Butterfly Center—that had previously been protected by Congress.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Adverb
-
But the fairy godmother’s spell wore off early in Game 6, which was just 62 seconds old when Vegas went ahead to stay.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
So what stands out most about the Chiefs’ road ahead?—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Adverb
-
Fugaz moved to this location early last year—the former spot was, though somewhat unbelievable, even smaller.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Musk's reusable rocket company is expected to start a roadshow aimed at marketing the deal to investors early next month, according to people familiar with the matter.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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