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
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Waiting in line for a little while builds anticipation, Weissbach says.
—HubSpot, 1 June 2026
What follows is a candid discussion oscillating between the core components of Wachowski’s filmmaking philosophies and her experiences in gender transition, with aspirations towards a prolific future all the while.
—Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Sony and Bungie both indicate that Marathon will get investment for a while.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Plus, the writing has been on the wall for a while.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Waiting in line for a little while builds anticipation, Weissbach says.
—HubSpot, 1 June 2026
What follows is a candid discussion oscillating between the core components of Wachowski’s filmmaking philosophies and her experiences in gender transition, with aspirations towards a prolific future all the while.
—Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Sony and Bungie both indicate that Marathon will get investment for a while.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Starting a tad later in 2008, SpaceX has managed to shoot 14,844 payloads into space – almost equal to the total of the rest of the world combined.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Eco effort Lake George is widely recognized as one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the nation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
The firing is sure to trigger even more scrutiny of CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss and her controversial efforts to overhaul the network news division.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Maybe get him in motion a little bit more.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
-
There was always a little bit of John in each one of his performances.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
When the fabric is right, your comfort is sure to follow — but choosing pieces that are also work-appropriate is trickier.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
In her 2008 work Mirror Play, San Francisco Poets Theatre Beloved’s Carla Harryman employs a field of speakers as an engine for organizing meaning between interior perception and exterior reality.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 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
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
