while 1 of 2

Definition of whilenext

while

2 of 2

conjunction

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

2
as in although
in spite of the fact that while this term paper is very well done, it's still late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of while
Noun
Plus, the writing has been on the wall for a while. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 June 2026 Waiting in line for a little while builds anticipation, Weissbach says. HubSpot, 1 June 2026 What follows is a candid discussion oscillating between the core components of Wachowski’s filmmaking philosophies and her experiences in gender transition, with aspirations towards a prolific future all the while. Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026 Sony and Bungie both indicate that Marathon will get investment for a while. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
  • Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Starting a tad later in 2008, SpaceX has managed to shoot 14,844 payloads into space – almost equal to the total of the rest of the world combined.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort Lake George is widely recognized as one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the nation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • The firing is sure to trigger even more scrutiny of CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and her controversial efforts to overhaul the network news division.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Maybe get him in motion a little bit more.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026
  • There was always a little bit of John in each one of his performances.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • How does the pilot program work?
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • Behavioral health companies in South Florida say they are being impacted by Medicaid termination letters, with facilities stating the cuts are harming patients who need help and leaving many therapists out of work.
    Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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