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
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Recent Examples of while
Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 June 2026
And for a short while on Sunday, the tiny Caribbean country believed.
—Russell Lewis, NPR, 15 June 2026
All the while, an incredible experience with my son.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
After a while, the heat miraculously gives way to a cool drizzle.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
The bad news is that healing will take a while.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 June 2026
And for a short while on Sunday, the tiny Caribbean country believed.
—Russell Lewis, NPR, 15 June 2026
All the while, an incredible experience with my son.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
After a while, the heat miraculously gives way to a cool drizzle.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Another interesting player in this space is xLight.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
-
The key to welcoming gray into your space in 2026 is to opt for warm, layered tones that add depth and dimension.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Pan made national headlines during his time in Legislature for leading the state’s efforts to toughen school vaccine requirements.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
Eco effort This is a fragile environment—Kerlingarfjöll was designated a Protected Nature Reserve by Umhverfisstofnun (the Environmental Agency of Iceland) in 2020.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 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
Noun
-
This is done in stages, using multiple centrifuges that enrich the uranium bit by bit.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
What impressed us most was their commitment to the bit.—
Danielle Directo-Meston,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
That leaves little time for work, which can pose an additional financial burden.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Republicans expanded work requirements for SNAP.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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