while 1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce while (audio)
Definition of whilenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

while

2 of 2

conjunction

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
2
as in although
in spite of the fact that while this term paper is very well done, it's still late

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of while
Noun
But those are still two pretty big things and the relationship has been going strong for a while now. — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 14 Mar. 2025 That could cause issues for companies like Boeing, which has warned of potential supply issues if Trump’s tariffs stick around for a while. — William Gavin, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025 For a while — 10 years in fact — the work was rewarding and the lifestyle made sense to Braverman. — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Here are three takeaways from KU’s overtime win vs. UCF… AJ Storr saved Kansas basketball Wisconsin transfer AJ Storr had one of his best games in a while vs. UCF (17-16). — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
  1. space
  2. effort
  3. bit
  4. work
  5. but
Noun
  • Designed to be a lush, year-round oasis, this innovative space combines design elements inspired by Portland’s urban charm and tropical island retreats, bringing a slice of paradise to the city during the (in)famous Pacific Northwest rainy season.
    — Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This region of space grows larger the farther a planet is from its star.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of space
Noun
  • Engaging in advocacy efforts, whether by contacting lawmakers or participating in petitions, can help raise awareness of the department's critical role in higher education.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Newcastle suddenly had a purpose, which has always been the basis of Howe’s efforts.
    — George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of effort
Noun
  • But, right after the speech, somebody kept a little bit of the board un-wiped to preserve it, while, someone else rushed to the board and took away the piece of chalk that Einstein had used for his writing.
    — Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • One bit of good news to report is that Senate Democrats plan to vote in favor of the House's Continuing Resolution (CR).
    — JJ Kinahan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of bit
Noun
  • The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
    — Jonathan Gay, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The biennial aims to put the contemporary works featured in the exhibition in conversation with early-twentieth-century paintings from the collection of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, where the event is being held.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of work
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
Definition of but

Phrases Containing while

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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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