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

Similarly, the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards), has undergone a major upgrade since shifting from TNT to Netflix in 2024, with improvements to its set and an overall classier vibe. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

That skid has bridged to eight games now, and that’s put pressure on Colts coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, formerly of the Chiefs. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Officials say the technology will prevent SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, from being stolen. — Liz Crawford, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Ryan Ascencio, co-CEO of Patreon-style company FanFix and formerly EVP of corporate development at Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook, becomes head of growth. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026