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
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
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
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
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
-
Give them space to take risks while aligning their work with significant objectives.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As Maine continues to see more shark detections in its waters, studies like this will be crucial in ensuring that shark conservation efforts continue while also keeping human safety a priority.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
-
In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday as part of an effort to stop a blaze in Pickens County called the Table Rock Fire that started the previous day in an area within the Blue Ridge Mountains.—
ASSOCIATED PRESS,
TIME,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
That is unique to our show, and did inform a little bit of not knowing what’s going on in Lumon.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Cody Bowen had 2 bits and 2 runs scored for Wekiva (5-11).—
Steve Gorches,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Even in today’s fluid work environment, taking on the role of the new boss has profound implications.—
Bruce Tulgan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share