Definitions

awhile

[uh-hwahyl, uh-wahyl] / əˈʰwaɪl, əˈwaɪl /

ADVERB

for a short period

Synonyms

WEAK

briefly for a bit for a little while for a moment for a spell for a while for the moment momentarily not for long temporarily transiently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

awhile

Before abandoning legal ties to a country, one must first prove citizenship somewhere else — and that can take awhile.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026

Even if the war ends soon, it could take awhile to restore some energy supply.

From Barron's ● Mar. 23, 2026

Chrissy Lawler saw her social life dry up awhile back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

These details don’t cost much, but they whisper the same message:you’re cared for; linger awhile.

From Salon ● Nov. 25, 2025

We stayed like that awhile, him looking at the bridge and me and Rondell looking between it and him, none of us really saying anything.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña