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.

The Dodgers can mix and match for awhile, but a team that prides itself on positioning its starters best for October success finds itself in an awkward position.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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

Our call of the day from Charlie McElligott, Nomura’s widely respected cross-asset strategist, says investors had been ready for AI headwinds this year, but instead are facing a second-order one that wasn’t expected for awhile.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

Among the few people I had met who’d been at Hampden awhile, I asked what the story was with Julian Morrow.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt