Synonyms of while

while 1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

1

as in space

an indefinite but usually short period of time

we stayed at the fair for a while longer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• space
• bit
• span
• day
• minute
• stretch
• spell
• moment
• season
• second
• era
• lapse
• split second
• epoch
• instant
• interval
• interim
• heartbeat
• trice
• nanosecond
• perpetuity
• twinkling
• jiffy
• interlude
• twinkle
• eon
• spurt
• intermission
• infinity
• age
• wink
• beat
• eternity
• shake
• New York minute
• jiff
• flash
• eyeblink

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

• effort
• work
• pains
• sweat
• trouble
• energy
• expenditure
• exertion
• labor
• try
• elbow grease
• power
• toil
• drudgery
• might
• attempt
• go
• strain
• muscle
• pass
• endeavor
• dint
• grind
• slog
• essay
• stab
• trial
• force
• travail
• shot
• whack
• fling
• puissance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ease
• facility
• smoothness
• fluency
• inertia
• inaction
• inactivity
• idleness
• laziness
• dormancy
• indolence
• quiescence
• adroitness
• languor

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

• when
• whilst
• as
• so long as

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after

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

• although
• though
• but
• as
• if
• whilst
• when
• albeit
• whereas
• notwithstanding
• much as
• howbeit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of while

Noun

The district hasn't had a viable Democratic candidate in a while. — Saige Miller, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026

Not for a while yet, Lee Schwamm, associate dean for digital strategy and transformation at Yale School of Medicine, told the paper. — Lea Tran, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026

After getting some quick sniffs in and padding around the yard for a while, Jimothy retreated into the bushes surrounding the yard. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

The slow pace continued for a while, but eventually, Punk took down Rhodes with a leaping heel kick and tweaked his knee. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing while

• once in a while