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.

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

California does take awhile to count its ballots and finalize its elections.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

While it doesn’t necessarily mean the stock is in trouble, since this technical condition can last for awhile and be worked off without a selloff, it does suggest caution.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

I scale it, one sucker at a time, until I’m on top of it, right next to the section of wall that got all soft from a leak awhile back.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden