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

These days, homeowners are embracing more pattern, color, nostalgia, and personality—but the key is using these formerly passé trends with a lighter hand. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026

Better yet, a falling price implies a rising price elsewhere or the introduction to the market of even more expensive goods formerly unknown, unimaginable, or both. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Nearby Allen Morris Brickell Park, formerly a city park, is set to be redeveloped as a high-end restaurant and may become a high-rise condo after that. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

The outlet alleged that after reuniting backstage at the 2020 Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards), the exes—who married in 2000 and divorced in 2005—began communicating regularly once again. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 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