heretofore

adverb

here·​to·​fore ˈhir-tə-ˌfȯr How to pronounce heretofore (audio)
ˌhir-tə-ˈfȯr
: up to this time : hitherto
heretofore unimaginable possibilities
I tell you now what we have heretofore kept secret from youA. C. Whitehead

Examples of heretofore in a Sentence

Heretofore her writing has never displayed such depth of feeling. This technology has created heretofore unimaginable possibilities.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Two: More Onus On Employers The Green Paper sets out guidelines for a consultation on Access to Work, which has heretofore been exclusively for employees. Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Having been brought up with her own worry around these creatures, the practice of unlearning also allows Tenzen to consider her own voice in matters that heretofore seemed out of her control. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2025 For years, CPGs have been paying Amazon to feature ads on their products or to rank higher in searches, but that idea for new cars has heretofore never existed on Amazon’s website. Chris Walton, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 The season’s many additions include the actors playing Dream’s heretofore unseen siblings Delirium (who will be played by Hanna‘s Esme Creed-Miles), Destiny (Primary Colors‘ Adrian Lester) and The Prodigal (Revenge‘s Barry Sloane). Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for heretofore

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heretofore was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Heretofore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heretofore. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

heretofore

adverb
here·​to·​fore ˈhi(ə)rt-ə-ˌfō(ə)r How to pronounce heretofore (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)r;
ˌhirt-ə-ˈfō(ə)r,
-ˈfȯ(ə)r
: up to this time

More from Merriam-Webster on heretofore

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