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
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Taken at face value, this week’s trip back to Britain represents the early, cautious steps toward reconciliation—and perhaps the first positive headlines Harry has had in a while.
—Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Given that, casting Taylor Frankie Paul is actually one of the most on-brand decisions the franchise has made in a while.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
The cocktail can be pricey and may take a while to sip.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
And for a while, that kind of all-or-nothing standard was a positive.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Taken at face value, this week’s trip back to Britain represents the early, cautious steps toward reconciliation—and perhaps the first positive headlines Harry has had in a while.
—Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Given that, casting Taylor Frankie Paul is actually one of the most on-brand decisions the franchise has made in a while.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
The cocktail can be pricey and may take a while to sip.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 10 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
-
Republicans were unfazed by Democrats threatening to withhold their votes, accusing them of hypocrisy for condemning GOP efforts to win policy concessions in past funding battles.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Jackie Young made 4-of-6 from the 3-point line as part of her efforts, finishing with 18 points, seven assists, and three steals, with Jewell Loyd (14 points) and Dana Evans (13 points) contributing well off the bench.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the course of his 50-plus-year writing career, there's been a good bit of debate over Stephen King's ability to deliver a satisfying ending.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
This evolved into a prototype chiefly engineered by Burrell Smith, selecting for its CPU the 8-bit Motorola 6809 as an upgrade from the Apple II's MOS 6502 but still keeping costs low.—
Cameron Kaiser,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And the handle took a lot of work.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Norman's posts on social media, which primarily focused on community policing work, drew enough attention that in 2021 then-President Joe Biden awarded Norman and 15 others the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2025.
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