1
as in space
an indefinite but usually short period of time
we stayed at the fair for a while longer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
it's not worth my while to fix it, so we'll get a new one
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of while
Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2025
The widespread reaction from the community has been celebration, as Parsons has been painted as something of a villain by Bungie fans for a long while now as the studio has made a series of poor executive decisions and laid off hundreds of developers based on those poor decisions.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
After going through the reasoning behind the denial and the violations that Menendez has been cited for while in prison, Garland offered a note of hope.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2025
There is no timeline for his return, and the Philadelphia Phillies could be without their ace for a while.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
The stretchy fabric means the pants should keep their shape even after sitting for a while, and the pockets on either side are the right size for storing your phone or hotel room key.
—Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2025
The widespread reaction from the community has been celebration, as Parsons has been painted as something of a villain by Bungie fans for a long while now as the studio has made a series of poor executive decisions and laid off hundreds of developers based on those poor decisions.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
After going through the reasoning behind the denial and the violations that Menendez has been cited for while in prison, Garland offered a note of hope.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2025
There is no timeline for his return, and the Philadelphia Phillies could be without their ace for a while.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
His new contract follows that of cornerback DaRon Bland, who signed a four-year, $92 million extension after the team opened up cap space by trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round draft picks.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
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Familiar features will include the Magic Edge cantilevered dining pods – Edge Series ships feature the iconic Magic Carpet, a multi-use space that seems to float over open water – and Infinite Verandas.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jim Walden, independent candidate for New York City mayor, on Tuesday dropped out of the race while calling on other hopefuls to get behind the second-most popular choice in an effort to defeat New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Official parade narrators also highlighted China’s efforts focused on ensuring internet and information security.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Magnitude’s trainer Steve Asmussen bit through his disappointment to observe in a most sporting manner that Sovereignty’s talent was generational.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Maybe disrupting a little bit of traffic.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Her 2002 work depicts two women (herself and her now-wife) embracing on a bed.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
24 Aug. 2025
-
But the students’ work also generated acclaim from community members who praised their ingenuity and courage in holding the foundation accountable in the face of backlash from school administration.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Conjunction
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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
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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