former

adjective

ˈfȯr-mər How to pronounce former (audio)
Definition of formernext
1
as in erstwhile
having been such at some previous time the coach is a former professional baseball player

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in previous
going before another in time or order the former manual had some errors, but the current version has its own problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word former distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of former are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When would antecedent be a good substitute for former?

The synonyms antecedent and former are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could anterior be used to replace former?

The meanings of anterior and former largely overlap; however, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When is foregoing a more appropriate choice than former?

The words foregoing and former are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When can preceding be used instead of former?

While the synonyms preceding and former are close in meaning, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of former?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage
a prior obligation

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 former The panel of judges was made up of appointees of former presidents Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026 Westbrook, 37, is an 18-year NBA veteran, an eight-time All-Star, a nine-time All-NBA selection, a former MVP and a future Hall of Famer. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026 Plascencia has been preparing for the draft by training with former NFL kicker Nick Novak and performance coach Cody Smith at The Block Performance Center in Rancho Bernardo. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Fortner joins former teammate, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, as part of the Panthers’ external free-agent haul. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
  1. erstwhile
  2. previous
  3. old
  4. other
Adjective
  • The erstwhile third baseman moved to right field midway through camp last spring then placed fourth among MLB right fielders in defensive runs saved as a rookie, per Sports Info Solutions.
    — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Directed and co-written by Alexandre Rockwell, the film follows an aspiring filmmaker (Steve Buscemi) who falls in with an irresistibly charming gangster (Seymour Cassel, who won Sundance’s first acting award) as his erstwhile producer.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of erstwhile
Adjective
  • Production began in November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, where previous seasons were also filmed.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • For months when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, these payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month, like March’s payment.
    — Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of previous
Adjective
  • Blume would shower with her father and her older brother, David.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The funeral prayer for the 41-year-old Afghan father of six who died Saturday in ICE custody was held Tuesday while more questions arise about why he was picked up and what caused his death less than a day later.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of old
Adjective
  • Illinois also broke with federal vaccine recommendations on other occasions last year, deciding to continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for nearly all newborns and to continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for all children ages 6 to 23 months.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of other

Browse Nearby Words

formed
former
formerly
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Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on former

Nglish: Translation of former for Spanish Speakers

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