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
All the while, Skydance will have to pay down its massive debt load. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 There’s a powerhouse group of contenders for Best New Artist this year, and many of them have been working towards this moment for a while. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 For a while, the trend lines for GLP-1 insurance coverage were positive. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 He was not helped by some terrible personnel moves orchestrated by Crane and Jeff Bagwell and others who wanted to play GM for a while (Jose Abreu, Rafael Montero). — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 15 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
  • Their role becomes clear at 21-, 36- and 52-Across, where the clues solve to partial entries, which can be completed only by using the entry spaces of those dash clues.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With interiors by AvroKO, this ten-room property features both garden-view and riverside rooms, cozy fireplaces, a two-bedroom suite with its own Miele kitchen, and communal spaces including library, parlor, and coffee bar.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of space
Noun
  • The president talked up Jackson and Senate candidate Mike Collins as part of the White House effort to boost GOP enthusiasm in the upcoming elections.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and penning X/Twitter posts that are considered to be attacks by the trans community.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 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
  • Tomalak did a little bit of everything, fueling the offense as her team’s multidimensional quarterback and patrolling the secondary as a ball-hawking safety.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cutie from Saie is one of my favorites for a little bit of a deeper antiblush.
    — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Chisell, who previously worked at Amazon, eBay and Starling Bank, estimates that Paysend can now deliver around 25% more engineering work with the same-sized team, but argues that getting results isn’t as simple as handing everyone the latest tech.
    — Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Making the show work within Keery’s schedule was a challenge.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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