formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

ˈfȯr-mə-

1

: at an earlier time : previously

Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople.

2

obsolete : just before

Synonyms of formerly

• once

Examples of formerly in a Sentence

He was formerly a congressman.

the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”

Recent Examples on the Web

The irony is that in not trying to pass muster with more conservative theatergoers (and their fastidious institutional guardians), playwrights have been winning over not just critics but also formerly squeamish artistic directors and perennially nervous Broadway producers. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

The platform, which formerly only offered deals on flights, will offer standalone hotel bookings and better value through flight and hotel bundle offerings Travelers will gain access to exclusive pricing that is otherwise unavailable when booking flights and accommodations separately. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The therapist, someone who formerly worked with the department as a Rush University capstone project doctoral student, will work systemwide to assist juveniles within Juvenile Court, detention, home detention, probation, day reporting, crisis intervention and interacting with law enforcement. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026

Yes, Empower was formerly known as Personal Capital. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

: at an earlier time : previously