FORMER Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'former' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of former are antecedent , anterior , foregoing , preceding , previous , and prior . While all these words mean "being before," former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter. // the former name of the company

Q: When would 'antecedent' be a good substitute for 'former'?

The synonyms antecedent and former are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation. // conditions antecedent to the revolution

Q: When could 'anterior' be used to replace 'former'?

The meanings of anterior and former largely overlap; however, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order. // the anterior lobe of the brain

Q: When is 'foregoing' a more appropriate choice than 'former'?

The words foregoing and former are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements. // the foregoing remarks

Q: When can 'preceding' be used instead of 'former'?

While the synonyms preceding and former are close in meaning, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place. // the preceding sentence

Q: How do 'previous' and 'prior' relate to one another, in the sense of 'former'?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance. // a child from a previous marriage // a prior obligation

former

adjective

ˈfȯr-mər

Definition of former next

as in erstwhile

having been such at some previous time the coach is a former professional baseball player

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order the former manual had some errors, but the current version has its own problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word former distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of former are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When would antecedent be a good substitute for former?

The synonyms antecedent and former are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could anterior be used to replace former?

The meanings of anterior and former largely overlap; however, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When is foregoing a more appropriate choice than former?

The words foregoing and former are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When can preceding be used instead of former?

While the synonyms preceding and former are close in meaning, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of former?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage

a prior obligation

Examples 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 former Unfortunately for one Czech Republic hitter, former Miami (Ohio) shortstop Willie Escala, one of those pitches coming in at 101.9 mph drilled him on the left knee. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Dig in: Duckworth purchased the recipe rights and is partnering with Chili Willi's former owner and chef, Ron Smith, to bring the restaurant to Charlotte. —

Laura Barrero, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 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 In an interview with conservative media personality and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly in early December, Hegseth admitting to being in a hotel room with the woman but denied raping her. —

Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for former

Recent Examples of Synonyms for former

Adjective

But as the decades passed and shinier properties in even taller towers mushroomed around the city, the Dusit Thani lost its erstwhile luster and eventually morphed into a dependable — but dated — choice for (mostly) business travelers passing through town.

Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
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