Formerly

//ˈfɔɹmɚli// adv

adv ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adverb

1
at some time in the past not-comparable
"Xenia Robertson, formerly known as Xenia Isaamov, is from Ukraine."
2
previously; once not-comparable
"This ranch was formerly owned by slaveholders."

Adverb

1
at a previous time wordnet

Synonyms

earlier afore aforehand already antecedently at one time

Antonyms

currently subsequently

Example

"He didn't deny that he was formerly involved in the program."

Etymology

From former + -ly.

Related phrases

formerly known as

More for "formerly"

Synonyms Sentences Pronunciation Translate

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation Browse writing guides

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.