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
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Advertisement While health care costs typically grow every year, the last few years have seen the steepest increase in prices for a while, according to Mercer.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
If the next Padres manager is someone who walked for many years in baseball cleats bigger than his own and qualifies as family, here’s predicting Machado would have an extra bounce to his step for a while.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
There’s also widespread expectation for the Trident 800 to land soon – given that it has been spotted testing for a while.
—New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Advertisement While health care costs typically grow every year, the last few years have seen the steepest increase in prices for a while, according to Mercer.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
If the next Padres manager is someone who walked for many years in baseball cleats bigger than his own and qualifies as family, here’s predicting Machado would have an extra bounce to his step for a while.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025
There’s also widespread expectation for the Trident 800 to land soon – given that it has been spotted testing for a while.
—New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
This heater has two heat settings and an oscillating base so heat is evenly distributed throughout your space.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Ideal locations range between 5,000 to 50,000 square feet of sales floor space.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In recent days, the grassroots effort has spread, as messages offering and seeking assistance are cut, copied and pasted throughout communities big and small, connecting neighbors and finding those in need tangible help.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Hendrix and Bersten received a 36 for their efforts last week.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In retirement, Paulsen does a little bit of everything.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
While speaking with James Austin Johnson at 'Rolling Stone's' Musicians on Musicians event, Role Model revealed the interesting bit of 'Sally' lore.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But the real, urgent work ahead of them was to redeem the losses slavery had wrought.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Stefanski and Andrew Berry have a lot of work ahead of them to turn the Browns back into a playoff contender.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.
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