WHILES Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

whiles

noun

Definition of whiles

plural of while

as in minutes

an indefinite but usually short period of time we stayed at the fair for a while longer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in works

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

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 whiles UCHealth’s decision to postpone surgeries whiles staff addressed the sterilization problem stands out from other hospitals that have found themselves in similar situations. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiles

Noun

Inside, Devarana offers a 60-minute traditional Thai oil massage followed by 30 minutes of singing bowl sound healing, combining halotherapy and chakra balancing.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
It was even successfully tested at 150 percent of this maximum pressure for 10 minutes.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of minutes

Noun

Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.

— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Also included in the mix were family heirlooms, like paintings passed down to her from her grandmother, or works made by her father.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of works

Noun

A lot of higher-frequency sound from machinery, bits of people’s conversations, and some general hum still came through.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
While most bits of ice and rock that burn up are the size of dust grains or pebbles, fireballs arise from debris ranging from the size of a marble to that of a small boulder.

— Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of bits

Noun

State officials and managers of water agencies said the $7 billion reservoir will be a critical part of California’s efforts to adapt to climate change.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
The case highlights an intensifying battle over semiconductor know-how as Chinese chipmakers narrow the gap with established rivals, putting the race for top engineering talent increasingly at odds with efforts to protect trade secrets.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of efforts

Noun

The first round of November Social Security payments for retirees, now capped at $5,181, will be issued in two days.

— Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2026
However, in mid-October three attacks at schools in the central province of Mazovia took place within four days, leaving one person dead and many wounded, including children.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of days

Noun

Lula very pointedly locates the threat differently, emphasizing the ability to resist a foreign power’s undue exertions of leverage.

— Andre Pagliarini, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Ayuso possibly lacks the top-end explosivity, while surely Mas’ legs are not in race-winning shape given his exertions over the past month — but the Mallorcan is in the form of his career.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of exertions

Browse Nearby Words

while

whiles

whilom

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Whiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiles. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of whiles

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

defer

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes