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
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
Your adrenaline’s pumping [after] being out for a while.
—Daily News, 25 Jan. 2026
The cold air is then expected to stay in place through the beginning of February, ensuring that whatever snow falls this weekend will stay on the ground for a while.
—Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The 2020s have marked one of the biggest revivals of the material in a while, and designers say that momentum isn’t slowing down in 2026.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
That will have to do for a while.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Jan. 2026
Your adrenaline’s pumping [after] being out for a while.
—Daily News, 25 Jan. 2026
The cold air is then expected to stay in place through the beginning of February, ensuring that whatever snow falls this weekend will stay on the ground for a while.
—Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
The 2020s have marked one of the biggest revivals of the material in a while, and designers say that momentum isn’t slowing down in 2026.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Whether commuting for work or running errands, Dana is a carryall with ample space for essentials (think phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses), along with a 13-inch laptop, water bottle, makeup, portable charger, lightweight jacket, snacks, and a notebook.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The victims, all elementary school students, got into difficulty in a frozen pond in Bonham, a city about 60 miles northeast of Dallas, triggering a desperate effort by their mother and a neighbor to save them, FOX 4 reported.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The project also reflects Beijing’s broader effort to anchor long-term energy security with low-carbon baseload power.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The four actors reunited onstage to close out the Emmys with a hilariously charming bit inspired by their cult-favorite comedy series that, appropriately, gave O'Hara her flowers.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Paired with cornbread that is made with a little bit of a mess, your main dish will come off just beautifully.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
China’s cabinet on Thursday rolled out a work plan to boost services consumption — from cruise and yacht tourism to elder care services and more sports events — as policymakers sought to boost the share of consumption in its economy over the next five years.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Hinton’s work shows how institutions—from urban police to public housing and segregated, underfunded schools—have, through their practices, entrenched a racially unjust status quo.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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