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
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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 combination of humor, humility, and skill made Arya stand out in a space dominated by polished perfection.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The conference will spotlight tech giants’ increasing involvement in the entertainment space.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After concerns regarding hunting and fishing were quelled, the redesignation effort gained popularity with the West Virginia congressional delegation and was incorporated into an omnibus bill in late 2020.—
Luke Gentile,
The Washington Examiner,
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
-
Channel that instinct and do a little bit of self-interrogation.—
Shannon Carpenter,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Harry, who was honored at the 2024 event for his work as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan during his 10 years in the military, joined Morgan Freeman and others in celebrating the aerial firefighters involved with the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles in January.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Additionally, award-winning author Pico Iyer was honored with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and Amanda Gorman received the Innovator’s Award for her work promoting literacy, empowering youth and raising awareness on important issues.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 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 30 Apr. 2025.
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