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
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Yet, for a while now there’s been a surprising lack of innovation in this genre.
—Scott Bryan, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025
He was arrested for domestic violence and incarcerated for a while for committing other crimes.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Aug. 2025
Fishers officials said the latest traffic disruptions on State Road 37 and 141st Street will be here for a while but will be the last — though some numbness may remain for frustrated commuters.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
There’s a lot to like in the Park District’s ideas for improving Grant Park (some of which have been around for a while).
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Yet, for a while now there’s been a surprising lack of innovation in this genre.
—Scott Bryan, Variety, 17 Aug. 2025
He was arrested for domestic violence and incarcerated for a while for committing other crimes.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Aug. 2025
Fishers officials said the latest traffic disruptions on State Road 37 and 141st Street will be here for a while but will be the last — though some numbness may remain for frustrated commuters.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
It wasn’t designed for shelf space — it was designed for reverence.—
Sudhir Gupta,
Rolling Stone,
12 Aug. 2025
-
There's meeting and convention space for events such as weddings.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also chaired an emergency meeting on the cloudburst and subsequent rescue efforts in the capital Islamabad on Friday.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Fundraising efforts and private donations made to the Kane County 4-H Foundation funded the scholarships.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The games don't matter but have some pride in the performance at least a LITTLE bit.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Adding a little bit of playfulness and spontaneity into every conversation also makes space for laughter and even intimacy.—
Mark Travers,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly 50% of people report not feeling valued at work and only 24% of people think their employer cares about their well-being.—
Paula Davis,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
While many management companies shy away from association work, especially due to the difficulty in managing different personalities, jkROCK’s took a different path.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2025.
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