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

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 former The same goes for right-hander Clay Holmes, a former Yankees closer who will stretch out to start this spring. —

Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025 Kirby’s big jam came right after Abalos, his good buddy and former AAU teammate, filled the lane and slammed home a rebound. —

Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 Monday’s event featured former Jets, some of them returning to the team’s facility for the first time in decades, there to see Aaron Glenn. —

Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 28 Jan. 2025 In 2019, two former Syrian military officers who had worked at Al-Khatib were arrested in Germany and tried for murdering dozens of detainees. —

Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for former

Recent Examples of Synonyms for former

Adjective

And, of course, elaborate wigs, erstwhile societal norms, and sumptuous settings.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
The tariffs also sow disarray among erstwhile allies — partners who, like the U.S. under former President Joe Biden, have looked to weaken Russia's leadership and economy with punitive measures designed to stymy Moscow's economic and geopolitical power.

— Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025