FORMER Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

former

adjective

ˈfȯr-mər

Definition of former

as in erstwhile

having been such at some previous time the coach is a former professional baseball player

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order the former manual had some errors, but the current version has its own problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Tucked away near Lucille Ball’s former dressing room, nestled between soundstages on the Paramount lot is the office where John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein cook up many of their big-screen adventures. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026 He is also accused of making payments to his daughter and former son-in-law, who were employed by him. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The other defendants — singer Denise Ho, scholar Hui Po Keung, and former pro-democracy lawmakers Margaret Ng and Cyd Ho — also served as trustees. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Several former Sacramento State offensive playmakers followed Marion to Boulder, highlighted by running back Damian Henderson II and wideout Ernest Campbell. — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for former

Recent Examples of Synonyms for former

Adjective

Canada on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% percent on around $20 billion worth of US products, in an expanding trade war between the erstwhile allies.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Constructed in the late 19th century, the erstwhile residence joined Grand Hotel Timeo in 1929 when the properties’ owners married.

— Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of erstwhile

Adjective

The match against Rybakina will be her first at the WTA Tour level, having lost in the qualifying round earlier this year in Miami in her previous attempt.

— Brian Mahoney, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Burn scars on the landscape from previous wildfires can also rapidly funnel water into dangerous downslope torrents.

— Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of previous

Adjective

Yes, Minteh and Sarr both operate on the right and buying one of them arguably would have provided a better balance to Iraola’s attacking department given that his other wide players prefer the left flank.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
That happened again when the five other conservatives – but not Roberts and the three liberals − said the administration could slash hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of health research funding.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of other

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formed

former

formerly

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“Former.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/former. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of former

adjective

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Synonyms of former

adjective

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'Former' and 'Latter'

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