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
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
The Clippers’ window of contention closed a while ago, and Leonard — after turning 35 on Monday — is likely staring down his last shot at a third ring and a lengthy deal with the Raptors.
—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Some gold ETFs directly invest in bullion kept in vaults, while others invest in shares of mining companies that tend to follow the price of gold while also being swayed by the companies’ management decisions, efficiency and financials.
—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
The Red Sox’s four-game sweep will buoy them and haunt the Yankees for a while, and this Travelers will probably stay with Scheffler, too.
—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
This hot weather system isn't going away before the Fourth of July holiday, meaning that things won't cool down to normal summer temperatures for this time of the year for a while.
—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
The Clippers’ window of contention closed a while ago, and Leonard — after turning 35 on Monday — is likely staring down his last shot at a third ring and a lengthy deal with the Raptors.
—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Some gold ETFs directly invest in bullion kept in vaults, while others invest in shares of mining companies that tend to follow the price of gold while also being swayed by the companies’ management decisions, efficiency and financials.
—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
The Red Sox’s four-game sweep will buoy them and haunt the Yankees for a while, and this Travelers will probably stay with Scheffler, too.
—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
As adult influencers dominate online fashion culture, and tweens and teens see the same content as adults, there are fewer spaces for young people to develop styles of their own.
-
Delta has bid for and appears to be the likely winner for control of two gates, the ticketing lobby and support space previously controlled by Spirit Airlines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Noun
-
A bit of a surprise here, as the Warriors were reportedly shopping the 11th pick in an effort to bolster their roster with a win-now player.
-
The search stems from a years-long effort by authorities to revisit information connected to Mansfield, whose family lived on Centerwood Avenue in Hernando County.
Conjunction
-
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.
-
The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police.
Noun
-
That was the lone bit of positive news for the Royals (34-49) on Friday.
-
Each member of the band had their moment to shine while the crowd danced on the soggy earth, not minding the conditions one bit.
Noun
-
Roth was placed on administrative leave but returned to work shortly afterward, according to the lawsuit.
-
Considering flight attendants spend the majority of their week living out of a suitcase, their luggage has to be truly top-tier—capable of holding all of their work essentials, personal items, and more without missing a beat.
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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