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

The streaming giant said that Sweeney, formerly co-chair Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television, resigned from the board as of July 26, per a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

At People, formerly IAC, Halpin oversaw corporate finance, accounting, M&A, investor relations and administration functions while also leading strategy and the day-to-day function and execution of People’s businesses. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Disney will sell its 50% stake in A+E Global Media (formerly known as A+E Networks) to Hearst, in a transaction valued at over $1 billion, a source familiar with the plans confirmed. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 July 2026

The company was formerly a sponsor of Brett Bodine Racing in the early 2000s. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 30 July 2026