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
Relevance
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
Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Other major figures in play include Mo’s supportive wife (Alona Tal), the security hire (Gabrielle Ruiz) who convinces them both to spend time at the rifle range, Alan’s erstwhile investment partner (Craig Sheffer) and everybody’s many children and step-children.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 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
The past offers plenty of examples of world powers falling out with erstwhile alliance partners or seeking new ones.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Other major figures in play include Mo’s supportive wife (Alona Tal), the security hire (Gabrielle Ruiz) who convinces them both to spend time at the rifle range, Alan’s erstwhile investment partner (Craig Sheffer) and everybody’s many children and step-children.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 July 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
-
The House Oversight Committee is subpoenaing the late financier's estate to explore a possible mismanagement of a federal government investigation involving Epstein and his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Amid the cast shake-up at Saturday Night Live, current and former stars are sharing their reactions to the news ahead of season 51.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Newmarket Hall, formerly home to livestock sales, was razed earlier this year to make room for the new building, which will be about the size of six football fields.—
Matthew Glowicki,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The restaurant chain's Newport spot, formerly located on the river at 301 Riverboat Row, was transported via barge down the waterway, toward the Licking River, Aug. 21.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
How old is Taylor Swift? Kelce was born Oct. 5, 1989 (that year sound familiar?), making the 35-year-old a Libra.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Successive administrations let the old broadcast arms of American government abroad — Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia — slide into well-meaning obsolescence.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Parsons, citing a back injury, refrained from practicing and might have been willing to insist he was too hurt to play once the real games began.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
29 Aug. 2025
-
But another round of bad storms in 2020-2021, including Hurricanes Laura and Ida, has nudged that share higher once again, to 2.57% as of the end of 2024.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The law, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, extends the president's 2017 tax cuts, cuts other taxes and increases spending on the military and border security.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The three women lived together with two other roommates, who went unharmed in the attack at their home off the University of Idaho campus.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share