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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Recent Examples of erstwhile
W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025
This latest turn in the topsy turvy geopolitical world gives a glimpse of some of the regime shifts to come and the fragility of erstwhile brutal, long-lasting dictatorships.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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
And while Vice President-elect J.D. Vance is in many respects a movement conservative himself, the populist Ohioan has worked with progressive Democrats on bipartisan legislation in the Senate, in contrast with former Vice President Mike Pence, Trump’s erstwhile sidekick from four years ago.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025
This latest turn in the topsy turvy geopolitical world gives a glimpse of some of the regime shifts to come and the fragility of erstwhile brutal, long-lasting dictatorships.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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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Their former The Hills co-stars Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge have all shouted out Montag’s music on their own platforms.—
Kirsten Chuba,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Jan. 2025
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Progress during the Trump administration halted after then-FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb stepped down from the agency, according to a former top-ranking official.—
Alexander Tin,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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This is, as its name would suggest, the second car from Polestar, formerly Volvo’s performance division – a bit like AMG is to Mercedes – but now a sister brand that, like Volvo, is owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely.—
Alistair Charlton,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
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What To Know In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Penny is seen riding the subway.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Women and adults younger than 45 are more likely than men and older adults to say that moderate drinking is bad for health, as were Democrats and independents.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN,
24 Jan. 2025
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Listeriosis is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to newborns, those aged 65 or older, those who are pregnant, and those with weak immune systems, according to the and pregnant people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
12 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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At Yankee Stadium, his left-handed swing could produce home run totals above 20 annually, something he's only done once.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
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Over 13 million Americans ages twelve and older reported inhaling nitrous oxide at least once, according to a 2023 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey.2 Nitrous oxide is used as a mild anesthetic during medical and dental procedures.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The new movie is described as a continuation of the franchise centering Godzilla, Kong and an assortment of other Titans.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
24 Jan. 2025
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This and other revelations sour Roman and Dennis’ endearing bond and debunk the spontaneity of the pair’s first encounter.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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