1
as in once
at an earlier or previous time the newspaper formerly known as "The Newsprint"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 Space Command has been headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base (formerly Peterson Air Force Base) in Colorado Springs since its creation in 1982. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025 The venue, formerly known as Staples Center, is owned and operated by AEG, which owns the NHL’s Kings. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2025 Antoinette has been relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, for her weekly grocery trips. Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025 Some 42 million Americans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as food stamps, and as many of them worry about losing their food aid, some grocery businesses are increasingly concerned as well. Tovia Smith, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
Adverb
  • People Magazine, spurning millions of sexy dead people, has once again chosen a Sexiest Man Alive.
    Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • During the Colder Months Late August days were once bittersweet for me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Combs has already spent 14 months behind bars after his arrest in September 2024.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Spanx Shape Original EveryWear Flare Jeans Without any extra discount codes on top, these flattering flare jeans are already 60 percent off.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • This track has more spiral turns than any other track previously created by Andretti.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Pregnancy is difficult to detect in ancient human remains, and scientists previously believed that the composition of hard tissues was so overwhelmingly inorganic that these proteins would not be preserved or detected, Barlow said.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Amid those results, former White House adviser Steve Bannon took to social media to warn of the danger ahead for the Republicans.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Call locations ahead to confirm availability, hours and location.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Liberty Hall hired Houlihan to raise the capital for a classic direct that closed earlier this year.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Getty Images Rarely would a head coach whose team conceded seven goals in a home game just over one week earlier be described as being in a good position.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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