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

That said, devolving tropical storms can pack a punch with sporadic gusts and showers as the energy that was formerly bundled in the storm’s center releases outward. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

The streamer is hoping that the Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards), which embraced Parasite with an historic best ensemble nomination (and later an historic best ensemble win), will also recognize Possible Love with a nom in that category. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

After all, the Fenton Brewery’s current home was formerly Tonality Brewing Company. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Boise State formally integrated ExtraMile Arena — formerly called BSU Pavilion and Taco Bell Arena — under Boise State Athletics earlier this year. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026