erstwhile 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of erstwhilenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

erstwhile

2 of 2

adverb

ˈərst-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce erstwhile (audio)
as in formerly
at an earlier or previous time there's now a store where erstwhile lay green and pleasant pastures

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 erstwhile
Adjective
Giuffre died by suicide last year, but, three years prior, the erstwhile prince had settled her civil suit against him. — Niall Stanage, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026 With input from food historian Pushpesh Pant, chef Vijay Sahi has designed three tasting menus that reimagine the culinary whims of the erstwhile royals from across India. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
That places an extra burden on holdovers Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo Lopez, erstwhile All-Stars who had their own injury issues last year. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 18 Feb. 2026 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
  1. former
  2. formerly
  3. old
  4. once
  5. other
Adjective
  • Describing themselves as a professional neighborhood watch group, former gang members and addicts are helping Venice residents clear encampments from their doorsteps.
    — Laurie Perez, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • In the final moments of the movie, Holland’s Peter Parker runs into his former best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) at a cafe.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of former
Adverb
  • San Gregorio State Beach is now roughly twice its size after expanding into the formerly private ranch, San Gregorio Ranch.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Residents of the Eagle MHC, formerly called Riviera Estates, mobile home park across South Trout Road urged the council to consider how the project could affect them.
    — Noah Daly August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of formerly
Adjective
  • The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was spotted by plainclothes federal agents who observed odd behavior and subsequently contacted the Lomita Sheriff Department deputies.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In honor of the upcoming movie, the All Roads Lead to Camp bus is touring across the country and bringing fans, new and old, into the world of Camp Rock, PEOPLE previously revealed exclusively.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of old
Adverb
  • Dan Na Ambassagou, a militia group that fights against Fulanis, accusing them of harboring Islamist groups, was once embraced by the government but has now been denounced.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • The 14-story neo-Gothic structure (nicknamed the Jewelers Building) once housed five floors alone of diamond cutters, goldsmiths, and other jewelers, with the rest of the building dedicated to other places for wealthy Detroiters to splurge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
Definition of once
Adjective
  • The service Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While plenty of chic boots are obviously on her radar, her seasonal collection includes a range of other styles, too, like sneakers, loafers, and flats.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of other

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erstwhile
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Cite this Entry

“Erstwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erstwhile. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of erstwhile for Spanish Speakers

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