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
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Carol's Capitol Bookstore in downtown Little Rock was a magnet for me and many other bibliophiles, a welcoming retreat that encouraged people to stay and read a while.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Yes, Dan Lanning has had the Ducks on the precipice of greatness for a while now and hasn’t gotten over the hump.
—Sports Columnist, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Sometimes that takes a while for people to catch up.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
However, injuries derailed him for a while after.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Carol's Capitol Bookstore in downtown Little Rock was a magnet for me and many other bibliophiles, a welcoming retreat that encouraged people to stay and read a while.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Yes, Dan Lanning has had the Ducks on the precipice of greatness for a while now and hasn’t gotten over the hump.
—Sports Columnist, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Sometimes that takes a while for people to catch up.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The lawsuit, which was ultimately dismissed, alleged these were attempts to block her reform efforts.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Museum curators were inspired to create the exhibition in an effort to display items that wouldn't otherwise be seen, Sarah Crawford, director of museum experience at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, told ABC News.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The sensor supports 13-bit output, allowing richer color representation and smoother tonal transitions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
And probably died a little bit more when the Tyler Loop field goal that would have sent him home — maybe for good — was in the air before drifting wide right.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Mendelssohn work features almost five times as many instruments, and uses 99 microphones as opposed to 12 for the Mozart recording.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Her work has appeared in Annulet, Changes Review, blush lit, and elsewhere.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 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 24 Jan. 2026.
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