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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of erstwhile
Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Over the years, there have been some renovations, including a suite of rooms Salm added for herself in the erstwhile servants’ quarters beyond the kitchen.
—Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 24 June 2025
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
On the way to the Fordyce’s second floor, the erstwhile opulence along Bathhouse Row becomes evident.
—Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Over the years, there have been some renovations, including a suite of rooms Salm added for herself in the erstwhile servants’ quarters beyond the kitchen.
—Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 24 June 2025
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
-
Among the attendees were Madison Beer and former Disney Channel star Kyle Massey.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
27 July 2025
-
The trailer now shows Ashur, a former slave, struggling to be accepted by high society.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
27 July 2025
Adverb
-
Jacobs works with a coach—formerly a professional athlete—who has shaped his thinking on leadership and life.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Paul Krugman writes for Substack, formerly with The New York Times.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Finally, came from an unexpected source: the tiny, stone Presbyterian church that is one of the few surviving structures of the old Fort McDowell.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
Delaying tree harvests and protecting older forests enhances carbon sequestration, making untouched forests vital for reducing carbon dioxide and combating climate change.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Adverb
-
Musk deleted the tweet days later, taking a reconciliatory tone with Trump for a few weeks, though disputes between them sparked once again at the start of July (see a timeline of their feud here).—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
The cities in the top four spots remained unchanged from last year's ranking, with Arlington, Va. once again taking first place.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Students in grades 6-12 are also allowed to have cell phones and other personal technology at school and are allowed to use them during lunch and in between classes.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
24 July 2025
-
His Fort McDowell Veterans Association uniform hung nearby along with other memorabilia of his Marine service, including a gourd hand-painted with the Marine logo.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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