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
Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
So that is happening, and millions of people are using it every year, but laws take a while to catch up, and still, a lot of lawmakers, for some time, had in their head that his doesn’t feel like work to me.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
It's been a while since the Arizona Cardinals were a legitimate NFL threat, having last made the playoffs in 2021.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Our cupboards will be all set for a while.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
But few of the leading lights in rock’s greatest generation put out new music this year, nor did any of the Gen X juggernauts — Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers — that have dominated the proceedings for a while.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
So that is happening, and millions of people are using it every year, but laws take a while to catch up, and still, a lot of lawmakers, for some time, had in their head that his doesn’t feel like work to me.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
It's been a while since the Arizona Cardinals were a legitimate NFL threat, having last made the playoffs in 2021.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Our cupboards will be all set for a while.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Pool, pickleball, and plenty of space The property sits on almost three acres, with ample outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
But company leaders said that the move to Indianapolis from Greenfield was not just about the physical space.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In a phone call with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette shortly after the petition was filed, Richardson mostly declined to comment on his own health and the recall effort.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Gainwell could have forced the Steelers to give him more of the share, especially in an effort to keep Jaylen Warren healthy.—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This handsome design can work in just about any room in your home and comes equipped with a little bit of drawer storage to discreetly hide any junk.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
3 Oct. 2025
-
But Maura never overdoes the feisty granny bit.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And now more employees are finding that talking about it at work can be, too.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Composure personified, underpinned by tremendous work rate.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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