formerly called crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "formerly called" in your crossword? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and boost your solving skills.
Solutions for "formerly called crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EX: A common prefix meaning former or out of. Used in words like 'ex-president'.
4 Letters
ERST: An archaic word meaning formerly or once. Common in historical or literary contexts.
ONCE: Meaning at one time in the past. A very direct and frequently used answer for this clue.
6 Letters
FORMER: Meaning previous or past. This word is a direct and strong synonym for 'formerly called'.
7 Letters
QUONDAM: A less common, formal word meaning formerly or sometime. Adds a touch of sophistication to puzzles.
10 Letters
PREVIOUSLY: An adverb meaning at a previous time. A longer, yet very relevant, solution.
More About "formerly called crossword clue"
The clue "formerly called" often appears in crosswords to challenge solvers with words or names that have changed over time. These clues test your knowledge of synonyms for 'past', 'previous', or 'old', as well as your familiarity with prefixes and archaic terms. They can refer to anything from historical figures' past titles to geographical locations that have undergone name changes, or even scientific terms that have been updated.
Solving these clues successfully requires a broad vocabulary and an awareness of how language evolves. Sometimes, the context of the puzzle's theme or other intersecting words can provide vital clues, helping you distinguish between a short, common answer like "EX" and a longer, more obscure one like "QUONDAM." Always consider the number of letters required and the overall tone of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available boxes in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for "formerly called" to those of a specific length.
- Consider Common Prefixes and Archaic Words: Clues about things "formerly called" frequently lead to answers like 'EX-' or less common words like 'ERST' and 'ONCE'. Keep these in mind as go-to options.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Don't just focus on one clue. The letters filled in by other, easier clues can often provide crucial starting points or confirm parts of the answer for a trickier clue like "formerly called."
- Think Synonyms: Brainstorm synonyms for "past," "previous," or "old" that fit the letter count. Sometimes a direct synonym is the simplest solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "formerly called" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "formerly called" indicates that the answer is a previous name, state, or designation of something. It often points to archaic words, prefixes like 'EX-', or direct synonyms for 'past' or 'previous'.
How do I find the right length answer for "formerly called"?
The key is to check the number of available boxes in your crossword grid. Common short answers like 'EX' (2 letters) or 'ONCE' (4 letters) are frequent. Longer answers like 'FORMER' (6 letters) or 'PREVIOUSLY' (10 letters) also appear. Context from intersecting clues is crucial for narrowing down the possibilities.
Are there common word types associated with "formerly called" clues?
Yes, these clues commonly lead to prefixes (e.g., 'EX-'), archaic words (e.g., 'ERST', 'OFTIME', 'QUONDAM'), or direct synonyms for 'past' or 'previous'. Sometimes they refer to people's past titles or names, or geographical locations with changed names.