as in former
having been such at some previous time my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 erstwhile
W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 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
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
This includes an erstwhile Democrat who spent considerable time and political capital on the issue. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 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
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
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Subscribe today Hello, this is Hui Jie writing to you from Singapore, while Leonie is away preparing for CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event, featuring names like former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin.— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
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Classic films from the likes of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, as well as Ken Loach, will be among the ways the fest will fete the dual anniversaries, along with an exhibition, a photo exhibition honoring later former president Václav Havel.— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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What began seven years ago as a freewheeling alt-country outlet for Max Bottner, formerly of Indiana egg-punks Liquids and the anarchist hardcore band Side Action, eventually expanded to a full band.— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026
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The cable network formerly known as MSNBC announced Wednesday that Thomas will lead the organization’s political unit and direct coverage of campaigns and elections.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The 31-year-old faced five batters and allowed all five to reach base.— James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
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Since the Iran war started, officials say, some counterterrorism specialists who had been reassigned to immigration have returned to their old roles, creating a whiplash that can disrupt investigations and analysis.— Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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The Australian actor, 31, stars in the new horror movie as Arthur, who re-creates and uploads videos of the kills shown in the titular 1978 film (once widely believed to be an actual snuff film), opposite Barbie Ferreira, who plays a content moderator trying to thwart him.— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
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Arnold Palmer did it three times (1959, 1961, 1965), while Ian Woosnam (1992) and Jordan Spieth (2016) did it once.— Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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There are other candidates, including a Billy Bigelow-like romantic opportunity for Melissa, courtesy of Max Clayton.— Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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The schedule at 4 North is similar to other units in the jail, with inmate counts multiple times a day.— Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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