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
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Carol's Capitol Bookstore in downtown Little Rock was a magnet for me and many other bibliophiles, a welcoming retreat that encouraged people to stay and read a while.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Yes, Dan Lanning has had the Ducks on the precipice of greatness for a while now and hasn’t gotten over the hump.
—Sports Columnist, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Sometimes that takes a while for people to catch up.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for while
Noun
However, injuries derailed him for a while after.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
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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.—
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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.—
Noun
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Her defensive effort led to a transition 3-pointer for Maddie Scherr that electrified the home crowd for TCU.—
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There is currently no information about the containment efforts for the fire and its cause has yet to be determined.—
Noun
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The sensor supports 13-bit output, allowing richer color representation and smoother tonal transitions.—
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And probably died a little bit more when the Tyler Loop field goal that would have sent him home — maybe for good — was in the air before drifting wide right.—
Noun
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By 1996, Joe broke through in commercial work and got into television.—
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Actions define how Qira gets work done.—
Conjunction
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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.—
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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.—
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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