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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Harry’s revelations follow reports that Meghan is ready to leave the UK for a while. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 Cadogan says she’s been eager to have an audio element to her shows for a while. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 The young man did indeed raise the money, completed the course, then taught at our school for a while, and generally got his life back on track. — Dmytro Korchevskyi, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 Ivana Stradner of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Fox News Digital that corruption has held back democracy in the Balkans and progress for its people for a while. — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
  1. space
  2. effort
  3. but
  4. bit
  5. work
Noun
  • The lap pool shares the roof with a sunken lounge, barbecue area, covered dining space and bathroom.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His producers find a shadowy space between the headrush of cloud rap and the glitchiness of PC Music hyperpop, where everything sounds colossal and darkly palatial.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of space
Noun
  • The $60 million ceiling covers a three-year development effort, but the announcement does not establish a final procurement value.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Over the past two months, amid efforts to find what could be more than $20 billion to recapitalize insurance funds, Walter has sold his controlling interest in the Lakers and a minority share of Chelsea, the English Premier League club.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of effort
Conjunction
  • 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
  • The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police.
    — Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017
Definition of but
Noun
  • Topped with cream cheese frosting, toffee, and almond candy bits, this scrumptious pumpkin spice cake will be a winner at your next fall party.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Adding the 11-tap receiver equalizer increased the rate to 200 Gb/s, with the modulator consuming 63 fJ per bit.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • The announcement did not specify when testing would begin or disclose results from previous development work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Every order completed by a robot represents work that potentially could have gone to a human courier.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of work

Phrases Containing while

Browse Nearby Words

whiffs
while
whiles
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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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