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
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
The trail hits a dead-end here, sending you back toward the entrance, but the zenlike peace of the valley will stick with you for a while.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
For the first time in a while, the Pirates seem committed to the former.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Hasn’t been out there for a while, probably a lot of thoughts going through his brain.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach has been around for a little while but the brand is set to debut a new condo tower in town next year, crowned by a $125 million penthouse.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 May 2026
The trail hits a dead-end here, sending you back toward the entrance, but the zenlike peace of the valley will stick with you for a while.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
For the first time in a while, the Pirates seem committed to the former.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 4 May 2026
Hasn’t been out there for a while, probably a lot of thoughts going through his brain.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
It is fitted out with a teaching kitchen, a podcast-production space, a large classroom called the Democracy in Action Lab, and a recording studio.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Jay Blackman Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.—
Jay Blackman,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The effort will focus on solutions that can be adapted elsewhere in the world, such as sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Always a Runner made a move around the final turn and needed every bit of the stretch to pass Bob Baffert’s Explora and and Michael McCarthy’s Meaning before the finish line of the 1 1/8-mile race.—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
Jackson and other experts detail why apple cores and other food waste are harmful, and why the best way to protect our natural habitats is not to throw anything out, even the seemingly harmless bits.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The Full Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, bringing attention to your role, direction, and how others see your work.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
-
Dameron’s work has appeared in Kweli Journal, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, and elsewhere.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 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 8 May. 2026.
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