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 However, a lawsuit against the university by three former women's swimmers over their experience in sharing a team with Thomas is still active. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025 Expect early brand decisions In 2021, former CEO Tavares gave the 14 brands, 10 years to justify their existence. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The proceedings included graphic and emotional testimony, including from singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend who spent more than a decade with him. July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025 Somehow, the Dolphins’ general manager and head coach found a way to turn two difficult situations into a playmaking safety, whose return gives Grier a chance to right one of his former wrongs. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for former
Recent Examples of Synonyms for former
Adjective
  • But the real question is what kind of concrete retribution Trump could try to exact on his erstwhile political ally and campaign donor.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • On the way to the Fordyce’s second floor, the erstwhile opulence along Bathhouse Row becomes evident.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • This may explain the sudden shift back to the Exynos processor after Samsung went all-Snapdragon for the previous generation.
    Anshel Sag, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Commissioners decided to wait until government staff produce additional information, including final spending data from the previous budget year, before proceeding. Mayor Tyrone Garner, who leaned in favor of holding off on the decision for now, split the tie vote among commissioners.
    Sofi Zeman July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The style of the ceramic vessels in the room suggested the tomb was very old.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • The current challenge to the gondola project is 16 months old and counting.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is one of the countless reasons the Secret Service prides ourselves on forging and maintaining relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • But once those issues were resolved, random drop-in visits from Social Services workers over the next decade yielded no citations or other issues.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on former

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!