Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Former” — 3 Other Ways to Say It
Something that happened or existed before, but not now.
Meaning of Former
Previously; belonging to an earlier time or position.
How to Pronounce Former
IPA: /ˈfɔːrmər/ Stress: Oo
Two syllables with stress on first: FOR-mer; don't confuse with 'farmer'.
3 Synonyms for Former — Words Similar to Former
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
Smart Synonyms for Former — When to Use Each
previous
for things that came immediately before
past
when referring to time periods or historical events
earlier
in more casual conversation contexts
Antonyms of Former — Opposite Words
How to Use Former and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The former president gave a speech at the event. A2
- She is my former teacher, but we still keep in touch. A2
- In former times, people traveled by horse and carriage. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Former
What is another word for "former"?
Common synonyms for "former" include: previous, past, earlier.
What can I say instead of "former"?
Try one of these alternatives: previous, past, earlier. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "former" formal or informal?
"former" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "former" instead of "previous"?
Use "former" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "previous" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "former"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "former" include: current, present, latter.