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
NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
That’ll be kept quiet for a while.
—Donald Heflin, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Some community concerns have been brewing for a while and made some seniors feel less welcome at the Center.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Mostly to save face, Iran’s new leaders will likely continue to hit at American and Israeli targets in the region for a little while.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
So the attack took place here a short while ago.
—NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
That’ll be kept quiet for a while.
—Donald Heflin, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026
Some community concerns have been brewing for a while and made some seniors feel less welcome at the Center.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Mostly to save face, Iran’s new leaders will likely continue to hit at American and Israeli targets in the region for a little while.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The one thing that is undetermined that could free up even more cap space is the situation surrounding defensive tackle Kenny Clark.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Mar. 2026
-
In true Dean fashion, this space was once Dublin’s most iconic nightclub, now transformed into one of the city’s most covetable gym experiences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Eco effort As with many high-end resorts in Costa Rica, there is a relentless desire to preserve the beauty of its host country.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Lael talked about efforts to push more early voting to prevent the kind of issues voters in Dallas County faced on election day.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That strategic depth was dismantled bit by bit by Israel after the October 7 attacks.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Until such a ruling, the debate over the nomenclature of poultry bits will beat on, wings against the current.—
EMILY HEIL THE WASHINGTON POST,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But that doesn’t mean those who fall short of the mark are doomed to a lifetime of work.—
Brian Baker CFA,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Fleming’s work is a hyperspecific, manic, digressive observational comedy buried inside a cloud of performance-art strangeness.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 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 5 Mar. 2026.
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