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
ABC News, 8 June 2026
Kosas Revealer Concealer earned a spot in the Readers’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame this year, but it’s been in Greenberg’s kit for a while.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 8 June 2026
For a short while, Boise was in the running to be a host city.
—Shaun Goodwin
june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
For a while, the answer was no.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Aaron Judge has a stress fracture in a rib that will keep the slugging outfielder out of the lineup for the New York Yankees for a while.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
Kosas Revealer Concealer earned a spot in the Readers’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame this year, but it’s been in Greenberg’s kit for a while.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 8 June 2026
For a short while, Boise was in the running to be a host city.
—Shaun Goodwin
june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
For a while, the answer was no.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The largest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley is expanding to include an indoor gallery space by 2027.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
The Loman family home isn’t depicted in a literal fashion but instead fluidly suggested in a warehouse space that allows the actors to move unfetteredly between past and present.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell led the effort for Measure ER along with First District Supervisor Hilda Solis.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
-
The project is being framed as both a preservation effort and a forward-looking investment in the heart of Chinatown.—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
10 June 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
Noun
-
In Cawker City, population 465, the twine ball is a symbol of community—a collective commitment to the bit.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
A little bit of the all-or-nothing from him.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Wellness gurus will also appreciate the range of treatments and healing modalities on offer at The Lotus Spa, from classic massages and facials to Reiki energy work and sound baths.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Rather than focusing on recent struggles, Mattingly pointed toward the larger body of work that made Bichette one of the American League's most productive young hitters during his years in Toronto.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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