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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
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Recent Examples of formerly
Meanwhile, SpaceX also controls X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
Instead of productivity-sapping duplication, two enormous utilities presently serving Florida, the Carolinas and Virginia will combine to expand their capabilities by combining the machines, manpower and thought formerly compromised by two businesses working apart.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
The 2,500-square-foot Del Mar location, formerly occupied by WestBrew Del Mar, was designed by Michael Soriano of Onairos Design, has a lush forest/greenhouse-style design with hanging plants, natural texture and glass walls.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Abdulai was formerly known as Tameca Williams.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
Instead of productivity-sapping duplication, two enormous utilities presently serving Florida, the Carolinas and Virginia will combine to expand their capabilities by combining the machines, manpower and thought formerly compromised by two businesses working apart.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
The 2,500-square-foot Del Mar location, formerly occupied by WestBrew Del Mar, was designed by Michael Soriano of Onairos Design, has a lush forest/greenhouse-style design with hanging plants, natural texture and glass walls.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
Abdulai was formerly known as Tameca Williams.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formerly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formerly
Adverb
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Just behind the cineplex and beyond the route of the busway, are 34 acres once occupied by a scrap metal yard acquired by the city in a foreclosure in 2021.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
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A lot had changed since; to many younger people, including Glick’s students, the men’s once radical ideas were common sense.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Adverb
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According to the source, Foxx (who is already a dad of two) was working on getting his career back in order after his medical issues, leading to his brief breakup from Huckstepp.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Farmers like Maung Nu Sein were already grappling with low rice prices as well as soaring fuel and food costs due to the civil war and the military’s blockade of their coastal state.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
Adverb
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The backstory This previously residential Edwardian manor house has been turned into a 31-room hotel and members’ club by former Blakes owner Navid Mirtorabi, with the help of business partner Jamie Reuben, a scion of a family that owns swathes of Mayfair.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
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Levin previously worked with Coker as an early investor in Strikeforce.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Adverb
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But the fairy godmother’s spell wore off early in Game 6, which was just 62 seconds old when Vegas went ahead to stay.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
So what stands out most about the Chiefs’ road ahead?—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Adverb
-
Fugaz moved to this location early last year—the former spot was, though somewhat unbelievable, even smaller.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Musk's reusable rocket company is expected to start a roadshow aimed at marketing the deal to investors early next month, according to people familiar with the matter.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formerly. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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