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
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
That vow to stay true apparently meant sticking with his old car for a while longer.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
All the while, Lanzante’s engineers and carbon-fiber specialists managed to retain the formidable structural integrity of the P1’s MonoCage chassis.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
All of this comes after reports that true answers in the investigation could still take a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Long story short, churning, in various forms, has been around for a while.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
That vow to stay true apparently meant sticking with his old car for a while longer.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
All the while, Lanzante’s engineers and carbon-fiber specialists managed to retain the formidable structural integrity of the P1’s MonoCage chassis.
—Howard Walker, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
All of this comes after reports that true answers in the investigation could still take a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The movement from Odegaard and Zubimendi towards the ball occupies Willock and Guimaraes, while White attacks the space vacated by the Newcastle captain and Havertz drops to provide a passing option.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Romantic Venus sextiles dreamy Neptune, softening conversations and opening space for empathy, imagination, and meaningful exchange.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The effort will focus on solutions that can be adapted elsewhere in the world, such as sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Shanahan said Height did a little bit of everything in college and will likely have multiple roles for the 49ers, comparing him to Byron Young and Jalon Walker, who played under new 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris with the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons, respectively.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
While the third season finale of Apple TV’s Shrinking felt decidedly like a series finale, the show will indeed be back for a fourth season, with the story moving just a little bit further down the road.—
Scott Huver,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Full Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, bringing attention to your role, direction, and how others see your work.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
-
Dameron’s work has appeared in Kweli Journal, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, and elsewhere.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.
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