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.
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Recent Examples of while
Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Wood that hasn’t been stained or sealed in a while soaks up water like a sponge and can take a considerable amount of time to dry thoroughly.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
The Rascals’ work eventually brought them to Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da, whom Riddick-Tynes ran into while on a double date at Nobu.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025
The health of King Charles has been a topic of conversation for a while, since the King was first diagnosed with cancer in early 2024.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
But the salad days of spiders and mosquitoes may only last a short while, with adult dowitchers wrangling their months-old babies and guiding them to warmth via the Pacific Flyway, a north-south migration route stretching from Alaska to Patagonia in South America.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Wood that hasn’t been stained or sealed in a while soaks up water like a sponge and can take a considerable amount of time to dry thoroughly.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
The Rascals’ work eventually brought them to Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da, whom Riddick-Tynes ran into while on a double date at Nobu.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025
The health of King Charles has been a topic of conversation for a while, since the King was first diagnosed with cancer in early 2024.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
His new contract follows that of cornerback DaRon Bland, who signed a four-year, $92 million extension after the team opened up cap space by trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first round draft picks.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
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Familiar features will include the Magic Edge cantilevered dining pods – Edge Series ships feature the iconic Magic Carpet, a multi-use space that seems to float over open water – and Infinite Verandas.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jim Walden, independent candidate for New York City mayor, on Tuesday dropped out of the race while calling on other hopefuls to get behind the second-most popular choice in an effort to defeat New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Official parade narrators also highlighted China’s efforts focused on ensuring internet and information security.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 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
-
Her 2002 work depicts two women (herself and her now-wife) embracing on a bed.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
24 Aug. 2025
-
But the students’ work also generated acclaim from community members who praised their ingenuity and courage in holding the foundation accountable in the face of backlash from school administration.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Conjunction
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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 8 Sep. 2025.
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