Formerly
Formerly adverb - So as to precede something in order of time.
Usage example: if you didn't get a malaria shot formerly, you'd better get one now
Previously is a synonym for formerly in time topic. In some cases you can use "Previously" instead the word "Formerly" as an adverb or an adjective, when it comes to topics like precede, before, earlier. popular alternative
Nearby Word: former
Previously
Previously adverb - So as to precede something in order of time.
Usage example: he had prepared the meat stocks previously so as to make things easier on the day of the big dinner
Formerly is a synonym for previously in before topic. You can use "Formerly" instead the word "Previously" as an adverb or an adjective, if it concerns topics such as earlier, precede. popular alternative
Nearby Word: previous
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- Formerly fat characters Amanda Waller and Etta Candy had previously been slimmed down and given generic supermodel physiques in order to appear more conventionally attractive.
Source: Author's Saving Throw - Formerly Fat: According to Lefou and a flashback image, Gaston was made fat from eating Taco Bell previously, but has a perfect figure from the start of the trilogy.
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Formerly Known As The Justice League had the ironic punishments and the Orpheus trip — Guy Gardner and Fire had to keep from looking at Ice, Guy's girlfriend and Fire's best friend, who had died some time previously.
Source: To Hell and Back
Cite this Source
Previously and Formerly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/formerly/previously
Formerly & Previously. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/formerly/previously>.
Previously or Formerly. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/formerly/previously.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "formerly" and "previously" have occurred on timeline