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
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
The tariffs also sow disarray among erstwhile allies — partners who, like the U.S. under former President Joe Biden, have looked to weaken Russia's leadership and economy with punitive measures designed to stymy Moscow's economic and geopolitical power.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Feb. 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
And, of course, elaborate wigs, erstwhile societal norms, and sumptuous settings.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
The tariffs also sow disarray among erstwhile allies — partners who, like the U.S. under former President Joe Biden, have looked to weaken Russia's leadership and economy with punitive measures designed to stymy Moscow's economic and geopolitical power.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Feb. 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
-
After making the cut in Puerto Vallarta, Brown was invited to appear on the CBS show 'Happy Hour', hosted by former PGA Tour player Smylie Kaufman.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The Czech model and former actor bought their four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home on the 216-acre island in 2018 for $1.3 million.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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With no imminent replacement, Silvia Venturini Fendi, who formerly oversaw menswear and accessories, has taken over as creative director.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
-
On the season finale of the HGTV competition show (airing March 5), Christina Haack (formerly Hall), 41, faces her final challenge in the house flipping showdown against her first ex-husband, Tarek El Moussa, 43, and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, 37.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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At just 10 years old, Romeo made his modeling debut in a 2013 Burberry Kids campaign, which also featured Cara Delevingne, after he was named the face of the brand’s children’s line.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Every year in the US, there are approximately 35,000 ER visits due to unintentional medication overdoses among children under 5 years old.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN,
1 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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But once again, states and the courts have stepped up to affirm the rule of law and the values that hold us together as a nation.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
-
How to watch Following the precedent that began last year, the telecast will once again start at 7 p.m.ET/4 p.m.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Obligations 2 from that series has circulated heavily on Instagram and Reddit threads, in response to the pandemic and other moments of collective mourning.—
Melissa Ragain,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
-
The only other Heat players with at least 200 3-pointers in a season were Tim Hardaway (1996-97), Damon Jones (2004-05) and Wayne Ellington (2017-18).—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to erstwhile
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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