1
as in minutes
an indefinite but usually short period of time
we stayed at the fair for a while longer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in works
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whiles
UCHealth’s decision to postpone surgeries whiles staff addressed the sterilization problem stands out from other hospitals that have found themselves in similar situations.
—
Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiles
Noun
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Duren had the ball and was driving toward the basket with just over seven minutes left in the third period when he was fouled by Diabate.—
Steve Reed,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The tense conversation continued for several minutes before a peculiar discrepancy popped up.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today the city’s casinos, banks, and skyscrapers include works by many top contemporary architects.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
15 Feb. 2026
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On Main Street, Majestic Repertory Theatre offers a distinctly different experience, combining a professional theater presence with bold, high-energy plays, musicals, and original works known for inventive set design, immersive elements, and a playful, sometimes provocative, approach.—
Mackenzie Jervis,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There are several bits about comedy that haven’t aged well — references to Bill Cosby and Russell Peters, and there’s a scene from The Hangover.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
-
This brought back family gossip and hesitant bits of information about my mother’s beloved grandfather, my maternal great-grandfather.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The research undercuts Orbán’s claims that continuing to buy Russian oil, despite European Union-wide efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels, makes fuel cheaper for Hungarians.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Both of these efforts have received NASA funding.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Winter weather alerts are in effect across parts of California, Nevada and Oregon ahead of two systems expected in the coming days.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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Yamil Lage | Afp | Getty Images An annual cigar festival in Cuba's capital city of Havana, which had been due to take place over five days in late February, has been suspended until further notice due to a worsening economic crisis.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And not only through month-long vacations and pains au chocolat.—
Hannah Seligson,
Vanity Fair,
12 Feb. 2026
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The Guy, as Sinclair is known on the show, sells to everyone, stressed-out 20-something assistant and cross-dressing stay-at-home dad alike, witnessing their private joys and pains and shortcomings and judging no one.—
Ezra Marcus,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And while their steamy, sweaty dalliances are hot and heavy (albeit mostly clothed), most swoonworthy are the smaller moments, like Heathcliff gently cupping his hands to keep the rain out of Cathy’s eyes.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Writing is taking moments in time and recording them.—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some of Goldsworthy’s art has also required strenuous exertions.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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Vaccarello, who was born and raised in Belgium to Sicilian parents, spends a month in Los Angeles twice each year, usually in March and November, a recuperation from the semiannual exertions of the women’s collection.—
Rob Haskell,
Vogue,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiles. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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