WHILES Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

whiles

noun

Definition of whiles

plural of while

as in minutes

an indefinite but usually short period of time we stayed at the fair for a while longer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whiles

Noun

In the second quarter, the Dream’s first basket didn’t come until a little over three minutes into the period.

— Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Just 10 minutes from Lagos and 15 minutes from Portimão, Palmares strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and seclusion.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of minutes

Noun

Venezia Spotlight is the festival’s competitive section dedicated to works that showcase emerging trends and demonstrate creative originality and innovation.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Among the more than 40 films in Telluride’s main program are new works from major directors such as Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, Mike Leigh, Danny Boyle and Paweł Pawlikowski.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of works

Noun

Playing the helpful citizen, Martinez drove his literal truckload of ALPR bits directly to the Sheriff’s department, where he was promptly taken into custody.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
If using a Satsuma, peel it by hand, remove any particularly thick, stringy bits or pieces of pith, and then cut it into similar shapes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of bits

Noun

Meanwhile, a federal judge on Wednesday rejected the Justice Department's push to force Google to sell its ad exchange, another victory for the company against the government's antitrust efforts.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
America's most popular league and its 32 clubs will honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, through a series of commemorative efforts in communities across the globe.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of efforts

Noun

Bright light or grow lights are essential for keeping indoor cuttings healthy and thriving during shorter days.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Federer didn’t have too many prickly relationships during his playing days, and there were plenty of candidates.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of days

Noun

In cases that are considered to be too severe — such as when a pregnant woman at the center began experiencing labor pains — those individuals are airlifted to a nearby hospital.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
California has taken pains to eliminate coal as a source of electricity, and this would be the first coal export terminal in California — or anywhere on the West Coast.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of pains

Noun

There’s also been lots of moments to dress up for too, with megawatt tours from Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and Zara Larsson; maximalist pop stars with fans eager to follow their lead in sequins and ties, hibiscus flowers in hair.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
In its bleakest moments, the novel suggests that the ordeal of being gay in a venomously bigoted society negates its bounty.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of moments

Noun

With that, his exertions in perfecting his homegrown colony process—the green smoothie for caterpillars, testing procedures for parasites—came into clearer view for me.

— Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
Thanks to the quality of the fish, word of mouth, foreign guidebooks, and now Moe’s exertions on Instagram, there are long lines at the door, especially on weekends.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Definition of exertions

Browse Nearby Words

while

whiles

whilom

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Whiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whiles. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of whiles

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes