formerly crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "formerly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your grid quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "formerly crossword" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EX: A common prefix or stand-alone term indicating a past status or relationship.
3 Letters
OLD: Used to describe something from a previous time or era.
4 Letters
ONCE: Referring to a single instance in the past, or something that was true at a previous time.
PAST: Indicating a time that has gone by, or a state that is no longer current.
LATE: Can mean having recently died (the late author) or existing at an earlier time (late 19th century).
5 Letters
PRIOR: Meaning existing or happening before something else in time or order.
6 Letters
FORMER: Directly means having been at an earlier time; previous.
9 Letters
ERSTWHILE: A more formal or literary term meaning in the past; formerly.
More About "formerly crossword"
"Formerly" is a wonderfully versatile word for crossword setters, as it opens up a wide array of synonyms from colloquial terms like "EX" to more formal or archaic options like "ERSTWHILE." This variety allows for clues that can fit into grids of many different letter counts, and can also hint at the tone of the puzzle – a classic puzzle might lean towards "ERSTWHILE," while a more modern one might use "EX."
When you encounter "formerly" in a crossword, consider the context of the entire clue. Is it asking for a person's previous role? A past state of being? Or simply an adverb indicating something happened in the past? The surrounding words in the clue can often give you subtle hints about which synonym is the best fit, especially if multiple answers share the same letter count.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms not only helps solve the current puzzle but also enriches your vocabulary for future crossword challenges. Keeping a mental dictionary of common crossword synonyms, especially for words like "formerly" that have many variations, is a key strategy for becoming a more efficient solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of boxes provided for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "formerly."
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue specify "formerly a monarch" or "formerly a friend"? The specific subject can point towards a more precise synonym, like "EX-KING" (if combined with another word) or simply "EX".
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by seeing which letters it shares with intersecting words. If a letter doesn't make sense for an intersecting clue, your "formerly" answer might be incorrect.
- Learn Common Crosswordese: Words like 'ERST' (a shorter form of 'erstwhile' or 'formerly') often appear in crosswords. Familiarize yourself with these unique terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'formerly' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'formerly' in crosswords often include 'EX', 'OLD', 'ONCE', 'PAST', 'PRIOR', and 'ERSTWHILE', depending on the required letter count.
How does word length affect the answer for 'formerly'?
The number of letters is crucial. For short answers, 'EX' (2 letters) or 'OLD' (3 letters) are common. For longer answers, 'ERSTWHILE' (9 letters) or 'HERETOFORE' (10 letters) might fit. Always check the available spaces in your puzzle.
Why is 'formerly' a common crossword clue?
The term 'formerly' is versatile and has many synonyms across different word lengths and levels of formality, making it an ideal clue for setters to test solvers' vocabulary and understanding of nuances in meaning.