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
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Recent Examples of while
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
For a very brief while, the Tua era was fun.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Most reach a height of 15 feet or less and take a long while to get there.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
The 23-year-old left Palace in January and, thankfully, is now a regular starter for Auxerre in Ligue 1, having remembered to put his kit on before kick-off for the first time in a long while.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
The moon, on the other hand, remained under threat for a little while longer.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
For a very brief while, the Tua era was fun.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Most reach a height of 15 feet or less and take a long while to get there.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
The 23-year-old left Palace in January and, thankfully, is now a regular starter for Auxerre in Ligue 1, having remembered to put his kit on before kick-off for the first time in a long while.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The question box includes a space for your name, but this is optional.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
With the additional space and upgraded infrastructure, the site can now process and deliver missiles more than 50 percent faster than before.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The addition of Crosby was supposed to be the piece to help lift the Ravens over the top, with the draft picks expected to be part of a rebuilding effort for the Raiders.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
In an effort to allay whipsawing energy markets, Western powers are considering an International Energy Agency proposal for the largest-ever release of oil reserves.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With a swell of applause and a burst of smoke and explosions, Fuerza closed out the night — an apt ending for a band that isn’t afraid to break the rules a little bit.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
-
For scuff marks or sticky buildup, Stein likes to use a slightly stronger vinegar solution or a damp cloth with a tiny bit of dish soap.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Listening to music rushes her work because she is tempted to sculpt or sew or cook to the beat.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Trump signed into law the first reconciliation bill passed by this Congress last year, extending his tax cuts, funding immigration enforcement, and strengthening work requirements for certain federal social welfare programs.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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