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 Cuban Americans in south Florida have long clamored for a firmer hand with Havana, and the recent apprehensions of Hernández and several other former Cuban officials for deportation have been extremely popular among the politically powerful exile community. Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 In the second half, Pacers entertainment staff handed the microphone to former Indianapolis Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who introduced Knicks fans Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet – all of them in attendance in Indianapolis. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 27 May 2025 Nonprofit organizations and city leaders have viewed former hotels as locations for housing services. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 The 10th biggest spender, Marc Andreessen, a businessman and former software engineer, spent $42 million. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
Adjective
  • This and other such studies are significant steps in the erstwhile direction of mapping brain-mind formulations to the nature of mental disorders.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • In 2017 under the erstwhile Nebraska star, the Knights capped a 13-0 season by defeating Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Garcia’s arrival looks likely to mean consequences for Barca’s previous first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — and already the drum-beat of rumour, speculation and comment from friendly local media, aimed at persuading Ter Stegen to leave, has begun.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • So, the compatibility should extend to iPhone 11 and later, but based on previous trends, Apple might reserve the highest charging speed for the iPhone 17 series.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • International students make up about 27% of the student body at the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • Former New College student Katie Helms, 47, got emotional when remembering her old mentor.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, SpaceX is hugely dependent on direct grants and regulatory permitting, clearances, and partnership from NASA and other federal agencies.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 6 June 2025
  • Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on former

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