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
Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In one, erstwhile Nixon chief of staff Alexander Haig said that Nixon asked him to burn the tapes — and that Haig refused.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 12 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
Radcliffe will play Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker who moves into Reggie's (Morgan) mansion to shoot an immersive documentary about the erstwhile star athlete.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In one, erstwhile Nixon chief of staff Alexander Haig said that Nixon asked him to burn the tapes — and that Haig refused.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 12 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
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Torossian served as former Council President Paul Krekorian’s chief of staff before joining Councilmember Adrin Nazarian’s staff.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Usta, 24, and his father – who was the president of the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association and a former national skier – had been staying at the Kervansaray Hotel in Uludağ, Bursa.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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In a backstage video shared to X (formerly Twitter) by iHeartRadio, the singer, who skipped the carpet, could be seen wearing a body-hugging mermaid gown with sparkles on the bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
-
The formerly friendly hound transformed into one of cold calculation that left a trail of bodies in its wake.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Those under 51 inches must have someone 14 years old or older accompanying them.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Mar. 2025
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At just 10 years old, Romeo made his modeling debut in a 2013 Burberry Kids campaign, which also featured Cara Delevingne, after he was named the face of the brand’s children’s line.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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The big question for Chelsea’s new owners is whether to stay at Stamford Bridge or look to start afresh on a new site, such as the nearby one where the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre once stood.—
Tom Burrows,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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This time around, once Downey agreed, the actor tried to talk his Avengers: Endgame directors into getting the band back together for the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars and Avengers: Doomsday.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These and many other student protests provide powerful strategies and lessons on resistance and how employees can advocate for workplace justice. 1.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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Keep instant coffee on hand for camping trips, in case of power outages or other emergencies, and even as a handy shortcut when traveling.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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