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
Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
That scene was winding down anyway, at that point, at least for a while.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Mar. 2025
Still, for a while, the notion that the then Weather Underground was involved seems to have stuck with many who heard the news.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
There are a few peaceful stopping points, including a bench cozy enough to coax anyone with a book to disappear for a while.
—Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
That scene was winding down anyway, at that point, at least for a while.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
The unaccountable bureaucracy and bloated government that find a home there, and the public and private corruption that go along with them, face serious scrutiny and genuine antagonism for the first time in a while.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 2 Mar. 2025
Still, for a while, the notion that the then Weather Underground was involved seems to have stuck with many who heard the news.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Shop Our Favorite Pieces from Her Walmart Home Collection Starting at $10 Caymus Upholstered Flip-Top Storage Bench Maximize bedroom and living room space with this flip-top storage bench.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Beyond Full, a no-frills central Mass. eatery serving burgers, breakfast food and milkshakes is opening in the space formerly occupied by Zoe's in Harvard Square, per RestaurantTalk.—
Steph Solis,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And yet, from the ACLU to the Washington Post and the New York Times, the institutional guardians of the Left made a concerted effort to cede those causes to the mosh posh of crunchy anti-war peaceniks, classical conservatives, frat bros, and ordinary Americans who make up MAGA.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Feb. 2025
-
This transformation requires a conscious effort to rethink decision-making, leadership development and financial strategy.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Moore is quirky and a little bit edgy as the cool one of the group, whose all-black wardrobe could either be a fashion statement… or a sign of clinical depression.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Doing it all at once can result in some of the cereal crushed into dust while other bits remain significantly larger.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The time to act is now—because the companies that prioritize mental well-being today will lead the future of work tomorrow.—
Stephen Sokoler,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The Marshall product, who led the FBS with 17 sacks, can put his head down, go to work and fit in nicely on a small-market team with plenty to prove.—
David Ubben,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 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 11 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share