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

All the while, Alabama decided that fans would not be allowed to set up any type of tailgate until after 12 noon local time today in an abundance of caution for the wind and rain that would devour the area. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Sober and working, May moved in with and took care of his ailing mother for a while, and now lives with and cares for an elderly aunt. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Despite numerous references to bygone eras, the interior succeeds in being very much contemporary while also very Parisian. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026

The Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks haven’t won anything in a while. — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing while

• once in a while