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
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Recent Examples of while
Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Brown mascara has been around for a while, but consumers habitually get reminded of its benefits—especially when more natural makeup looks are en vogue.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
While many parents can relate to teens indulging in too much screen time, With Love, Meghan offers a gentle escape, even if just for a while, to witness pastimes that many teens may deem as outdated.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Creighton Blue Jays The Blue Jays have been a really good team out of the Big East for a while.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Both council members acknowledged that the project has taken a while to get off the ground.
—Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Brown mascara has been around for a while, but consumers habitually get reminded of its benefits—especially when more natural makeup looks are en vogue.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
While many parents can relate to teens indulging in too much screen time, With Love, Meghan offers a gentle escape, even if just for a while, to witness pastimes that many teens may deem as outdated.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Creighton Blue Jays The Blue Jays have been a really good team out of the Big East for a while.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Sure, that scene between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino takes up a lot of space when talking about Michael Mann's seminal crime drama.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Colliers listed it as an investment property, with a net operating income of nearly $234,000 and over 16,000 square feet of rentable space.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Since January, the Trump administration has sought to cut back on research funding as part of its efforts to cut government spending, which has left many scientists scrambling to figure out how to continue their work.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Despite spectacular regular-season efforts, Michigan State and Kentucky missed the Elite Eight in 2024, ending their seasons in the Regional Finals.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Everybody was a little bit like at the end of summer camp, although a bit too grown up for this to be true.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Yet the other major mystery of the series, surrounding the possible identity of Ruby Sunday’s mother, felt a little bit anticlimactic when she was unveiled, even though the thought process behind that storyline was touching.—
Scott Bryan,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
After the equivalent of four days of work, the stadium was ready for the new tenant.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
He was seen most recently at the Bari International Film & TV Festival in southern Italy in March for a retrospective of his work.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 2025.
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