while 1 of 2

while

2 of 2

conjunction

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

2
as in although
in spite of the fact that while this term paper is very well done, it's still late

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Noun
The result is a frenzied game of footsie that can produce suboptimal deals, or none at all, but ties everyone in knots for a while. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 July 2025 The beach in Croatia is high on my list—it’s been on my radar for a while. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 July 2025 For a while now, Spider-Man fans have been hoping that Tom Holland’s MCU version, after messing around with galactic battles and the multiverse, may go back to his roots. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 For a while, companies might try to hold down their prices. Steve Inskeep, NPR, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025
  • Brooke is now planning to expand his offering by converting the station’s old waiting room into an additional guest space with an ensuite bathroom.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Waiting there for us was Rhubarb the python snake, who's a member of the zoo's animal ambassador program, which means she was selected to help promote the zoo's conservation efforts and represent her species.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • Additionally, integrating agentic AI requires significant initial effort, including connecting diverse ticketing systems, unifying data silos and training models on historical case data.
    Varun Milind Kulkarni, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • While a headboard may seem like a small design detail in your overall bedroom layout, a little bit of creativity can make a big impact.
    Rebecca Shinners, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
  • The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says while the couple was waist deep in the water with their dog, an alligator bit the hand and wrist of the woman and dragged her under the water.
    Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • But the story is more about his work and his life and his relationship to his mother and his relationship to his mentor, Isabella Blow, in a very theatrical performance.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The property’s club floor rooms come with access to a private lounge that has an ever-changing buffet, a rotating selection of drinks, sitting areas, work stations, and changing rooms for those coming off or beginning a long travel day.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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