Synonyms for

Ex

Verb / eks / Another word for ex — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Ex is a prefix meaning 'out of' or 'former'.

Synonyms & similar words

oldfashioned passee exwife oldhat x outmoded passe exhusband antique demode former previous past former erstwhile one-time old foregone erst late quondam previous sometime whilom erstwhile erst late old onetime

Synonyms by register

Formal

predecessor former holder previous occupant

Informal

old flame old man old lady ex-partner

Literary

erstwhile former companion

Antonyms

current present active ongoing incumbent in-office

Common collocations

  • my ex
  • his ex
  • her ex
  • an ex-husband
  • an ex-wife
  • ex-boyfriend
  • ex-girlfriend
  • ex-partner

Word family

noun ex
adjective ex-

Usage note

The word 'ex' is primarily used informally to refer to a former spouse or partner. When used as a prefix, it indicates a former position or status.

Example sentences

  1. I am an ex-employee of that company.
  2. My ex-boyfriend and I are still friends.
  3. She is an ex-patient of that hospital.
  4. The car is ex-rental, which means it was previously used as a rental car.
  5. He is an ex-convict who has turned his life around.

Quotes

  • 'Ex' is a complete sentence. It's also a prefix. It's all in how you use it. - A.D. Posey
  • 'Ex' is a word that comes back to haunt you. - Taylor Swift
  • Sometimes 'ex' is used to describe a former partner who's now a distant memory. Other times it's used to describe lunch. - Ellen DeGeneres

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