a while ago

ADVERB

previously

Synonyms

STRONGEST

already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then

STRONG

antecedently

WEAK

ahead ante at one time away back back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently time was until now

Antonyms

WEAK

currently future later presently

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.

So how’s it all going since we last checked in a while ago?

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

"I sent my family away a while ago with my eldest son," he told AFP via satellite internet connection, asking to be identified only by his first name.

From Barron's • Dec. 29, 2025

My mother passed away a while ago and a couple of properties were inherited.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

The deputy political director of Iran's state broadcaster, Hassan Abedini, said Iran evacuated these three nuclear sites a "while ago".

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2025

Lelia had already worked on the house once, this a while ago, after his funeral, so we could sell off the things we didn’t want or need.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

a while ago

Example Sentences

Related Words