as in yet
up to this or that time
theretofore the couple hadn't given much thought to marriage, but the unplanned pregnancy changed everything
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Recent Examples of theretofore
The spectacle was sufficiently embarrassing that the Prime Minister decreed within a week that executions would theretofore be hidden behind prison doors.
—
Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
The reaction to the release of All Quiet on the Western Front in Germany marked an early Hollywood encounter with the pathological race hatred of a theretofore unknown political party.
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2022
While deal volume in July and August still trends slower, recent years have enjoyed more robust markets during this period than theretofore.
—Frederick Peters, Forbes, 5 July 2022
There weren’t many bright colors, but some theretofore unnoticed textural quirks—on clothes, on faces—went wild with deep, scrutinizing, photographic detail.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
My confidence had reached a height theretofore unseen.
—Shannon Driskill, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2021
Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
The reaction to the release of All Quiet on the Western Front in Germany marked an early Hollywood encounter with the pathological race hatred of a theretofore unknown political party.
—Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2022
While deal volume in July and August still trends slower, recent years have enjoyed more robust markets during this period than theretofore.
—Frederick Peters, Forbes, 5 July 2022
There weren’t many bright colors, but some theretofore unnoticed textural quirks—on clothes, on faces—went wild with deep, scrutinizing, photographic detail.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
My confidence had reached a height theretofore unseen.
—Shannon Driskill, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theretofore
Adverb
-
There is something the series hasn’t yet tried, which would certainly get people talking.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
While the White House has yet to reveal what will be served at the dinner, those details are expected later.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Hearing a heretofore unseen character dismiss the studied, experienced perspective of our lead investigator is enough to turn your stomach.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 Apr. 2026
-
On screen, Lipa’s work has heretofore been limited to roles in Argylle and Barbie, as well as multiple appearances on Saturday Night Live both as host and musical guest.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Theretofore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theretofore. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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