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
Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Brown mascara has been around for a while, but consumers habitually get reminded of its benefits—especially when more natural makeup looks are en vogue.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
While many parents can relate to teens indulging in too much screen time, With Love, Meghan offers a gentle escape, even if just for a while, to witness pastimes that many teens may deem as outdated.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Creighton Blue Jays The Blue Jays have been a really good team out of the Big East for a while.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Both council members acknowledged that the project has taken a while to get off the ground.
—Marcus Dorsey, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Brown mascara has been around for a while, but consumers habitually get reminded of its benefits—especially when more natural makeup looks are en vogue.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2025
While many parents can relate to teens indulging in too much screen time, With Love, Meghan offers a gentle escape, even if just for a while, to witness pastimes that many teens may deem as outdated.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Creighton Blue Jays The Blue Jays have been a really good team out of the Big East for a while.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
The space offered guests a moment to recharge and refresh as performances took place.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The flight lasted around 11 minutes, according to the company. 16:31 Blue Origin's all-female crew, which included pop star Katy Perry, completed their trip into space Monday morning.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Such efforts have already led to the restoration of funding in Republican districts following federal cuts that impacted farmers and rural areas.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The team hopes that the discovery showing the ancient human connection to great bustards spurs more conservation efforts to keep this population from going extinct.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Everybody was a little bit like at the end of summer camp, although a bit too grown up for this to be true.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Yet the other major mystery of the series, surrounding the possible identity of Ruby Sunday’s mother, felt a little bit anticlimactic when she was unveiled, even though the thought process behind that storyline was touching.—
Scott Bryan,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Other works expressed deep concern for his country.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Their work spans both natural and built environments, and is committed to the discovery of new material and social possibilities.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 2025.
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