as in former
having been such at some previous time
my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of erstwhile
Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
As an early example of this, Stephen Griffin, a constitutional law professor at Tulane Law School, points to the Quasi War, a limited naval conflict between the fledgling U.S. and its erstwhile Revolutionary War ally, France.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2025
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty.
—Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for erstwhile
Adjective
Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
As an early example of this, Stephen Griffin, a constitutional law professor at Tulane Law School, points to the Quasi War, a limited naval conflict between the fledgling U.S. and its erstwhile Revolutionary War ally, France.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2025
Adverb
Candidates for the fifth spot include former postseason hero Ian Anderson, erstwhile All-Star Bryce Elder, and rookies AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep.
After winning a surprise world championship in 2021, the Braves had two 100-win seasons without reaching the final round again.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty.
—Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for erstwhile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erstwhile
Adjective
-
Immigration attorneys said that ICE is targeting those who have been in the country less than two years, those with deportation orders and those enrolled in former President Joe Biden’s parole program.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
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Singer and actress Dua Lipa and American actor turned racer Patrick Dempsey were spotted at the event, while popular F1 names included Williams team principal James Vowles, McLaren CEO Zak Brown, former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, and the Haas F1 team.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Adverb
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Jacobs works with a coach—formerly a professional athlete—who has shaped his thinking on leadership and life.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Adoptive parents owe $30M, NH judge says In New Hampshire, Olivia Griffin, formerly Olivia Atkocaitis, was awarded over $29.5 million in damages after a judge ruled in her favor against her adoptive parents, Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Cape Florida Light The Cape Florida Light, in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on the tip of Key Biscayne, is the oldest lighthouse in the state.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
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Patrick O’Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, told AP this may be Denver’s deepest and oldest find yet.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
Adverb
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According to the report, Snow Angels Childcare and Preschool typically had no more than four children at once at the site, the report said.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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Continue to deadhead dahlias throughout their blooming season, as often as once a week, to maximize their flower production.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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This is one of the countless reasons the Secret Service prides ourselves on forging and maintaining relationships with other law enforcement agencies.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
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But once those issues were resolved, random drop-in visits from Social Services workers over the next decade yielded no citations or other issues.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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