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
Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Violette briefly resurfaced in 2018 with a small solo show at Gladstone’s Upper East Side town house—an improbably tasteful site for an erstwhile rebel.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
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
La Dolce Vita and the Minerva, which occupies the erstwhile palazzo of 17th-century aristocrats, debuted last April.
—Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Violette briefly resurfaced in 2018 with a small solo show at Gladstone’s Upper East Side town house—an improbably tasteful site for an erstwhile rebel.
—Rachel Wetzler, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
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
-
Pretti and former Kansas City resident Renée Good were both killed in January.—
Matthew Kelly
April 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Rubio met with the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro in February.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The tech giant Oracle is expected to lay off thousands of employees as the company, formerly headquartered in Silicon Valley, attempts to address its plummeting stock price tied to artificial intelligence commitments, according to CNBC.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Prince George — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — provides supportive housing to the formerly homeless.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Her older brother, Aiden, is a junior on South Elgin’s junior varsity baseball team.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
White once again led the Hornets’ bench brigade, tossing in 16 points to go with four rebounds and two assists.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Hikes to your overnight at San Pedrillo Station are longer and slower, and you’ll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime immersion in the pristine jungle.—
Meghan Palmer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sure, a lot of other stuff has to go right for the Royals to return to contention, including keeping their pitching staff healthy and progress by Caglianone and fellow promising rookie Carter Jensen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Crews set fire to trees, grease and various other objects to try out the capabilities.—
Joy Benedict,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
