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
David Brown, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026
The child was shot by another 11-year-old while in the playground at Opal Smith Elementary, police said.
—Timia Cobb, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026
The same journalist has been reporting that the two haven’t really been on the same wavelength for a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Mar. 2026
Residents said this building has been dealing with squatters and homeless people for a while.
—Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
Call to arms The Twins acted coyly for a while about who would get the starting pitching assignments for the rest of the Royals series, but right-handers Joe Ryan (Wednesday night) and Taj Bradley (Thursday afternoon) will round things out, Shelton said.
—David Brown, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2026
The child was shot by another 11-year-old while in the playground at Opal Smith Elementary, police said.
—Timia Cobb, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026
The same journalist has been reporting that the two haven’t really been on the same wavelength for a while.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Mar. 2026
Residents said this building has been dealing with squatters and homeless people for a while.
—Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
-
Crews are asking boaters and visitors in the area to give dive teams and emergency vessels space to operate safely as the search continues.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The light, airy space on 53rd Street houses cooler-than-cool home decor items, tech accessories, tabletop design and furniture, jewelry, and accessories.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
At a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Sacramento City Hall, the mother and daughter stood beside their attorney, immigration advocates and local lawmakers — many of whom were involved in a weeks-long effort to bring her home.—
Mathew Miranda
Updated March 31,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Of course, the usual efforts around going plastic-free and energy-efficient are in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When the crew retracted the drill to replace its bit, an overpowering jet of oil fountained from the well.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Young Alfred Tennyson grew up in a similarly provincial bit of England, tucked away in his father’s vicarage on a remote part of the east coast of England in a village of fewer than a hundred souls.—
Kathryn Hughes,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While Protect Wyoming is necessarily focused within the state and on state politics, rather than federal candidates, its work stands to influence nonresidents who hunt, fish, and recreate in the state.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
For commuters like Sirena Lopez, who drives two hours each way for work, the impact is immediate.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 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 5 Apr. 2026.
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