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 Cuban Americans in south Florida have long clamored for a firmer hand with Havana, and the recent apprehensions of Hernández and several other former Cuban officials for deportation have been extremely popular among the politically powerful exile community. —Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 In the second half, Pacers entertainment staff handed the microphone to former Indianapolis Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who introduced Knicks fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet – all of them in attendance in Indianapolis. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 27 May 2025 Nonprofit organizations and city leaders have viewed former hotels as locations for housing services. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 The 10th biggest spender, Marc Andreessen, a businessman and former software engineer, spent $42 million. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
  1. erstwhile
  2. previous
  3. old
  4. other
Adjective
  • Manfred, like other MLB commissioners before him, had rejected Rose’s petitions for reinstatement while the erstwhile slugger was still alive.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Radcliffe will play Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker who moves into Reggie's mansion to shoot an immersive documentary about the erstwhile star athlete.
    — Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of erstwhile
Adjective
  • In this '50s throwback world, the Doctor and Belinda have no memory of their previous lives, women are expected to stay home with the kids, and all doubts about the new normal must be reported to the authorities.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 May 2025
  • His previous two films were the ill-fated (but far better than remembered) Brainstorm, a psychedelic science fiction thriller forever marred due to its co-lead Natalie Wood's tragic death during production, and a dark masterpiece, David Cronenberg's adaptation of Stephen King's The Dead Zone.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of previous
Adjective
  • Former New College student Katie Helms, 47, got emotional when remembering her old mentor.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Part of it is intentional — this is an adaptation inspired by the sirens of Greek mythology, which is a tale as old as time.
    — Lauren Coates, Variety, 24 May 2025
Definition of old
Adjective
  • The pair have known each other for a while, with Ferguson guesting on Hot in Cleveland and Malick appearing on Modern Family.
    — Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Both programs allowed students from other countries to get an education at Harvard.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 24 May 2025
Definition of other

Browse Nearby Words

formed
former
formerly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of former for Spanish Speakers

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