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
Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
But also, it’s been a while, and the challenge of being an asthmatic runner now is oddly enticing.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Took him a while to put some guys away at different times.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 15 May 2025
An investigation into the couple’s deaths began in September 2023 when their doctor raised concerns about John and Lois’ welfare after not seeing them for a while, Essex police wrote in a news release.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
This signals the end of a seriously rough patch for KTM, which was on the brink of collapse for a while.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
But also, it’s been a while, and the challenge of being an asthmatic runner now is oddly enticing.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
Took him a while to put some guys away at different times.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 15 May 2025
An investigation into the couple’s deaths began in September 2023 when their doctor raised concerns about John and Lois’ welfare after not seeing them for a while, Essex police wrote in a news release.
—Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Staff and administration buildings were hit, and barracks with beds, bathrooms and dining spaces were torn apart.—
Gael Langdon,
Arkansas Online,
1 June 2025
-
But the space itself isn’t the only value of the residency.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
President Trump’s 2026 budget would freeze spending for many services for older adults, deeply cut others, continue his efforts to slash government staffing for key programs, and abolish a critical federal office that manages many of those initiatives.—
Howard Gleckman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Seeing them at all used to be very rare, but sightings are increasing as their numbers grow thanks to conservation efforts.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
From a headline view, the 139,000 gain in nonfarm payrolls provided a nice bit of relief for a market on edge over the direction of the economy and the impact that President Donald Trump’s tariffs might bring.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
6 June 2025
-
Mission: Impossible is beloved around the world and is remembered in part for its iconic theme song, but that’s not the only bit of music from the series that people love.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The Leo full moon on the 12th encourages you to step into the spotlight, especially in your work or daily routines.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
-
Then, a year later, came the moves up the coaching ladder with the Heat that included G League work with the Skyforce.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 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 Jun. 2025.
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