formerly

adverb

ˈfȯr-mər-lē How to pronounce formerly (audio)
Definition of formerlynext
1
as in once
at an earlier or previous time the newspaper formerly known as "The Newsprint"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 formerly In recent years, Tesla has opened up most of its formerly exclusive stations to other EVs. — Tim Levin, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 The retailer has expanded the space by 140 percent, taking over an area formerly dedicated to tableware, crockery and small home furnishings. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 As of Thursday, a link to the page that formerly hosted the tool on the FHWA website was dead. — Joel Rose, NPR, 23 July 2026 Chief Daniel Mielke will also be participating in Motorhome Madness, a demolition derby that helps support Rady Children’s Health, formerly CHOC. — Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
  1. once
  2. already
  3. previously
  4. ahead
  5. early
Adverb
  • The turf fields and youth sports arena are among several entertainment projects built within the Homefield STAR bond master plan, which also includes the site where the shuttered Schlitterbahn water park once stood.
    — Sofi Zeman July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Scott Parker’s side were also the first in English football to complete an entire season without ever conceding more than once in a league game.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of once
Adverb
  • The market is already crowded with neobanks offering accounts, from Nubank to Stori to Klar.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Instead, the core of the squad is already in place, with Parkinson targeting certain key areas.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • In the underwater video, an adult female orca is seen holding onto a dead sharp-tail sunfish that the group had previously killed.
    — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Morrison helped lead the racist white supremacy campaign of 1898 that terrorized Black citizens and led to policies of segregation, The Observer previously reported.
    — Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Definition of previously
Adverb
  • Back in early June, before a game at Yankee Stadium, Tracy hinted at better times ahead.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • When smoke levels are high, experts recommend avoiding anything that burns — candles, fireplaces, even gas stoves — so plan ahead with some meal prep.
    — Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
Definition of ahead
Adverb
  • Barroca was drawing on a sentiment expressed two decades earlier, when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Massive amounts of rocks and soil roared down a slope and buried more than 10 residential buildings early Friday in Pengshui County on the outskirts of Chongqing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of early

Browse Nearby Words

former
formerly
formidability
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Cite this Entry

“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of formerly for Spanish Speakers

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