1
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
Spence was formerly a food editor at People and competed on season 2 of Fox's Next Level Chef.
—
Shay Spence, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Some of these projects are mixed use, lining formerly vacant streets with ground-floor stores and restaurants and bringing an urban look to suburban skylines.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
The video features Bloodwerk’s Ned Brower — formerly of Rooney, currently Nurse Jesse on The Pitt — suffering a litany of indignities at the hands of rowdy restaurant patrons.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Black Forest Labs was founded in 2024 by Robin Rombach, who is formerly of Stability AI, which itself has the support of James Cameron as a board member.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Shay Spence, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Some of these projects are mixed use, lining formerly vacant streets with ground-floor stores and restaurants and bringing an urban look to suburban skylines.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
The video features Bloodwerk’s Ned Brower — formerly of Rooney, currently Nurse Jesse on The Pitt — suffering a litany of indignities at the hands of rowdy restaurant patrons.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Black Forest Labs was founded in 2024 by Robin Rombach, who is formerly of Stability AI, which itself has the support of James Cameron as a board member.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
Adverb
-
She was hit twice, walked once and reached base a fourth time on an error.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
This includes square footage of housing as well as amenities that are once viewed as luxuries but are now seen as necessities, such as dishwashers and air-conditioning.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Adverb
-
Trump has effectively imposed a fuel blockade on the island by threatening tariffs on countries supplying it with fuel, igniting seemingly endless power outages and delivering new blows to the island's already ailing economy.—
Phil Stewart,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
Industry groups warned that capping emissions too much and too quickly would push refineries out of the state and drive up already soaring energy costs.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Adverb
-
The rapper could be seen dragging Cassie down the hotel hallway in surveillance footage that was shown to the jury and previously released to the public in 2024.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
Analysts have previously expressed concern that US stocks of the interceptors have been depleted by the Iran conflict as well as by last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and noted that manufacturing more takes time.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Adverb
-
If the Wizards are much more competitive in the season ahead, as expected, more lower-bowl seats should be occupied.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
So, the Navy is forging ahead trying to make the best of ships its leaders didn’t want just a few years ago.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Adverb
-
The Trojans will now prepare to face Lamar University, which blew a five-run lead in a 7-5 loss to host Texas A&M earlier Friday.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Authorities said earlier that Baker was responsible for or involved in the deaths of three men — Robert Shine and John Carse, both 69, and a 79-year-old man who has not been identified.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
