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
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The Liberal leadership race was centered on who could best deal with Trump and Canada’s (erstwhile?) ally.
—David Moscrop, TIME, 24 Mar. 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
Peace in Ukraine and the Middle East is proving to be far harder to achieve than the real estate deals envisaged by the president, while the bludgeon of tariffs is raising ever more opposition among erstwhile allies.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The Liberal leadership race was centered on who could best deal with Trump and Canada’s (erstwhile?) ally.
—David Moscrop, TIME, 24 Mar. 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
-
Imagine if a future Republican administration wanted to ban from employment all of the staffers and others who were pardoned, some questionably but all legally, by former President Joe Biden.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
He is described as a former Firefly and friend of Tommy, Joel's brother.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Back in 2018, when Versace was bought by Capri (formerly Michael Kors) from the Versace family and Blackstone, Capri splashed out $2.2 billion including debt.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
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The next largest, USDS (formerly DAI), has about $8 billion.—
Nina Bambysheva,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Morales' older brother, Ricardo, confirmed his death in a post on X, formerly Twitter.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
-
In contrast, older generations started saving much later, with boomers beginning at an average age of 37 and with plans to retire at 72.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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All offers end April 30 (each can only be used once and offers do not stack).—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
But once again, Wyatt was saved, this time by Ballerini.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The president and his administration accuse Harvard, among other universities, of allowing antisemitism to flourish on campus, endangering Jewish students.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The trip to Brentford is little more than a lower mid-table meeting, but United’s other three engagements could have more riding on them.—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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