while 1 of 2

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
There was talk for a while of you being involved with the third movie. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025 For a while, nothing happens, the streets are as quiet and dusty as any other day. Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 11 July 2025 The relationship between King Charles and his youngest son, Prince Harry, has been complicated for a while. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 11 July 2025 Her behavior never rose to addiction territory like Felix’s had, but there was clearly a problem at least for a little while. Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for while
Recent Examples of Synonyms for while
Noun
  • It was built in the space where the original Biospherians had farmed their food.
    Alina Hartounian, NPR, 7 July 2025
  • According to Redfin, Dilworth is home to sprawling green spaces, eclectic dining options and numerous walking trails.
    Nora O’Neill July 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • There is currently no information about the containment efforts for the fire and its cause has yet to be determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
  • Several establishment owners equated the PRO’s efforts to collect fees to a mob-like shakedown, citing aggressive on-site confrontations and threatening letters.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • These particles include tiny bits of pollution from engines, heating systems, wildfires, and industrial activity But 2023 was a cautionary tale: wildfire smoke pushed the annual average back up to 8.7, a level not seen since the previous decade.
    Youssef Rafik, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • With Clarke coming into Casa, things just clicked a little bit more easily, and things gelled together with them more.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The agency ordered Gateway Energy Storage to conduct environmental monitoring whenever the company handles batteries; safely remove, package and dispose of all impacted battery packs; and submit detailed work plans and progress reports to the agency.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • The Importance Of Trust Beyond the technology, what really makes collaboration work is trust.
    Jim Bureau, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Conjunction
  • 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.
    Daniel M. Jimenez, The Cannifornian, 22 June 2017
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/while. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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