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
-
This is a space that is ripe for standardization, the entry of new players in the market, and more vendor rivalries and drama.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
-
Even small spaces can support amphibians and serve as important corridors that connect to larger green spaces, says Hua.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
And this year, thousands of year-round and seasonal National Parks workers — including rangers, wildlife researchers and maintenance staff — have been fired and rehired as part of the DOGE efforts to slash the size of the federal government.—
Hailey Branson-Potts,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
-
The vast majority of Customer Success leaders (89%) are making scale and efficiency a primary goal of their efforts, according to a survey of research conducted by Gainsight.—
Stephen Diorio,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Don't load it up with more than 8 pounds of gear though, and avoid anything with pointy bits, as there's no padding here.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
25 May 2025
-
Still, by the end of the film, the two finally reconcile their differences with a handshake, probably largely thanks to that whole bit about Ethan successfully saving the world... again.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Laundry sanitizers are also recommended for washing work clothes that have been contaminated with pathogens of human, animal, or agricultural origin.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
-
High calcium levels can affect how fast your heart beats and how well other heart medications work.—
Health,
Health,
20 May 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 2 Jun. 2025.
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