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
Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Once in a while, someone is not courteous.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Why Neil Patrick Harris Says the Combo Works Harris has been open about the sandwich for a while.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy, was taken from her home over two months ago, though, and there hasn’t really been too much movement on the case for a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
The settlement brings to a quiet end a case that, for a while, gave a behind the scenes look into the personal and financial mechanics of one of Hollywood’s most private billionaire art collectors.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Once in a while, someone is not courteous.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Why Neil Patrick Harris Says the Combo Works Harris has been open about the sandwich for a while.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy, was taken from her home over two months ago, though, and there hasn’t really been too much movement on the case for a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Ryan Gosling’s sci-fi space flick is still defying gravity at the box office, dropping only 23 percent in its fourth week, per Comscore.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
-
People gathered there in the hope that there would be space for them on a helicopter.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Castle Rock offered grants to support efforts to commemorate the 150th anniversary.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Each product is designed to work synergistically, delivering visible results with minimal effort, no guesswork involved.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For Rory McIlroy, the trek toward getting a second Masters championship got a little bit harder.—
Rod Beard,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
For whatever sprinkling of sociopathy that Quinn might have, seeing her dead best friend’s daughter, who looks just like her best friend, standing in front of her cracks through a little bit.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Aries March 21 – April 19 Your work — professional or personal — may ask a little more of you today.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Apr. 2026
-
March 21 – April 19 Your work — professional or personal — may ask a little more of you today.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2026.
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