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
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
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Taken at face value, this week’s trip back to Britain represents the early, cautious steps toward reconciliation—and perhaps the first positive headlines Harry has had in a while.
—Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Given that, casting Taylor Frankie Paul is actually one of the most on-brand decisions the franchise has made in a while.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
The cocktail can be pricey and may take a while to sip.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
And for a while, that kind of all-or-nothing standard was a positive.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Taken at face value, this week’s trip back to Britain represents the early, cautious steps toward reconciliation—and perhaps the first positive headlines Harry has had in a while.
—Alexander Larman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Given that, casting Taylor Frankie Paul is actually one of the most on-brand decisions the franchise has made in a while.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
The cocktail can be pricey and may take a while to sip.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
By now, many of you have heard that The Courier Journal is moving out of our historic office building and into a new space closer to the river this week.—
Ray Padilla,
The Courier-Journal,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Stradivarius and Pull&Bear both moved to larger spaces, and the group also debuted its first Bershka store.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The merging of the modern and traditional is an effort to help people find God in a new way, said Reverend Jason Roberson, the head priest at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and to mark the church’s entry into a new century.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
With the sandboxing proposal, companies could identify regulations that are obstructing their efforts, and ask for a waiver.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Subtle bits of faux wheat give it additional texture, and there’s an attached loop in the back for easy hanging.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
-
There’s trouble in paradise in this surprisingly profound soccer comedy, which takes an episode from 2002 that passed most of the world by but left the Republic of Ireland in bits, so much so that it was even compared (elsewhere, obviously) to the death of Princess Diana.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At work, prioritize diverse, representative, ethical datasets while investing in continuous learning for both AI and human literacy.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
His work is recognized for rejecting straight lines in favor of rounded, continuous forms and for being approachable yet full of personality.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share