while 1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce while (audio)
Definition of whilenext
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

while

2 of 2

conjunction

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
2
as in although
in spite of the fact that while this term paper is very well done, it's still late

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Noun
A little while later, Jonah Neal started to seek alcohol to cope, Neal added. — Juliana Kim, NPR, 13 July 2026 What the rival had proposed, on the bench in the park, was to swap bodies for a short while. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 After a short while, those types of surprises and turns kind of suck. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026 Prosecutors say Castro fired through a home’s front door and shot Sosa-Celis in the thigh while in pursuit of another man. — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
  1. space
  2. effort
  3. but
  4. bit
  5. work
Noun
  • Vesper Theatre's main performance space, an 80-seat black box theater, can support a variety of art forms from dance to theater to film.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks oversees around 15,000 acres of park space.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of space
Noun
  • Bellingham deserves a mention, too; his tireless running in-behind defences has created space for Kane all through the tournament, while his colossal defensive efforts have helped to maintain balance across the team.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • The organization is a main backer of the measure and has supported efforts in other states to prohibit individualized prices for people based on certain personal information.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of effort
Conjunction
  • 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
  • The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police.
    — Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017
Definition of but
Noun
  • This pacing problem extends to subplots like the Henry-in-a-coma bit.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Scientists pointed out that the abrasion bit the rover used to expose the rocks was sterilized before launch and has cut into other rocks across Jezero without ever producing a G-band this strong.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The hours between finishing work for the day and going out to dinner are the calm before the storm.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of work

Phrases Containing while

Browse Nearby Words

whiffs
while
whiles
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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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