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
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
The driver, Sean Paul Holder, was arrested and is facing a charge of murder by another while engaged in a specific felony, among others.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
After surviving the second kill, Detroit gradually took control of the play and pinned the B’s ears back for a while.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Oregon kept up for a while with 9-of-11 shooting in the first quarter.
—CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
What came out was the stuff of nightmares — and unexpectedly, one of the most entertaining videos the internet has seen in a while.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
The driver, Sean Paul Holder, was arrested and is facing a charge of murder by another while engaged in a specific felony, among others.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
After surviving the second kill, Detroit gradually took control of the play and pinned the B’s ears back for a while.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Oregon kept up for a while with 9-of-11 shooting in the first quarter.
—CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The question box includes a space for your name, but this is optional.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Americans’ confidence in the space program – and its own ingenuity – was shattered.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Gore said in a statement that because the project has encountered issues, the department has been making efforts to improve transparency and accountability.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Mar. 2026
-
With the state of emergency, response and recovery efforts are offered to Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford counties.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After a hot start to the weekend, temperatures are expected to continue rising in North Texas, bringing a little bit of summer into spring.—
Suryatapa Chakraborty,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Doing something about low reading scores was a political football for years until, just recently, the state finally declared a preference for using phonics to teach reading — a rare bit of progress.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dark, sexy, thrillingly complicated—across the last 60 years, Charlotte Rampling’s oeuvre has been unparalleled, and now, at the age of 80, the Oscar nominee is still hard at work.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2026
-
By night, this nifty work area transforms into Spotted Stone, the hotel’s plush cocktail bar lounge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 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
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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