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
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
Jack Irvin, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Economists worry his use of sharp tariff hikes could cause a recession if fully implemented and left in place for a while.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
It’s taken me a while to get to a place where my work and my life are enmeshed.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Some people may feel completely fine for a while, even though the cancer is growing or spreading in the body.
—Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
No one knew that album would be the last one for a while.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Economists worry his use of sharp tariff hikes could cause a recession if fully implemented and left in place for a while.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
It’s taken me a while to get to a place where my work and my life are enmeshed.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Some people may feel completely fine for a while, even though the cancer is growing or spreading in the body.
—Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The flight lasted around 11 minutes, according to the company. 16:31 Blue Origin's all-female crew, which included pop star Katy Perry, completed their trip into space Monday morning.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The space offered guests a moment to recharge and refresh as performances took place.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Such efforts have already led to the restoration of funding in Republican districts following federal cuts that impacted farmers and rural areas.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The team hopes that the discovery showing the ancient human connection to great bustards spurs more conservation efforts to keep this population from going extinct.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
With about 100 vendors, there is a little bit of everything here, from jewelry to pickles and hot sauce to collectible items like coins and comic books.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Perugini: Tell me a little bit about your whiskey journey.—
Chris Perugini,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Other works expressed deep concern for his country.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Their work spans both natural and built environments, and is committed to the discovery of new material and social possibilities.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Apr. 2025
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 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share