while 1 of 2

while

2 of 2

conjunction

1
as in when
at or during the time that pay attention while I'm explaining how the new phone system works

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in although
in spite of the fact that while this term paper is very well done, it's still late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of while
Noun
For a while, the simplest explanation seemed to be that a single genetic system produces fin rays and digits. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025 Depending on the product's popularity, users may have to scroll for a while before finding a box that is available for purchase. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 Kirk, a conservative titan who traveled the country fostering debate and open dialogue with university students, was pronounced dead a short while later. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025 For a while, his instruction delivers. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
  • More than 100 Jilin remote sensing satellites have been launched, designed to acquire information from space via remote instruments.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • While central bank policy will have an important impact on the crypto markets, innovation in the space will be the driving force behind changes in asset prices, claimed Colkitt.
    Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Where YouTube is concerned, though, Goodell sees additional value available to the NFL brand beyond eyes on screens — including the ability to reach a younger audience and the integration of YouTube creators with tens of millions of subscribers into the NFL’s broader marketing efforts.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, companies need a continuous optimization cycle that involves systematically identifying processes for automation, prioritizing them based on an impact-versus-effort analysis, and deploying the best available solution at that moment.
    Bob Violino, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The slap bet between Marshall and Barney remained one of the longest-running — and fan-favorite — bits throughout the entirety of the series.
    Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • For weeks, with every new bit of evidence that corporations were failing at AI adoption, fears of an AI bubble have intensified, fueled by the realization of just how topheavy the S&P 500 has grown, along with warnings from top industry leaders.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In December 2023, San Diego commenced its analysis of what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan as a supplement to the environmental work completed in 2018 for the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The Ducks returned to Honda Center for the first time since April and earned their first victory of the preseason on Monday night, making light work of the Utah Mammoth in a 6-1 win.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
Conjunction
  • But scientists and doctors say things aren’t that simple — and a belief that exposing children to marijuana, either directly or indirectly, is harmless isn’t supported by the facts.
    Daniel M. Jimenez, The Cannifornian, 22 June 2017
  • But with a full and volatile season behind them, the two have grown closer, prompting check-ins from Bradford last month, seeking tidbits from his coach who watched OTA practices on a tablet from his Kentucky retreat.
    Chad Graff, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on while

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!