Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

in a while

ADVERB
afterward/afterwards
Synonyms
WEAK
a while later after another time at a later time behind by and by ensuingly eventually intra late later latterly next on the next day post hoc soon subsequently then thereafter thereon ultimately
Antonyms
WEAK
beforehand
ADVERB
later
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afterward again next subsequently thereafter
STRONG
after
WEAK
at another time behind by and by come Sunday down the line down the road in time infra later on latterly more recent succeeding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
earlier
WEAK
before
ADVERB
ulteriorly
Synonyms
WEAK
after after a while afterward afterwards again at another time behind by and by come Sunday down the line down the road in time infra later on latterly more recent next subsequently succeeding thereafter

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.

Trading desks are raking in money from volatile markets and dealmakers are busier than they have been in a while.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But every once in a while, we get a little wink, an ounce of good luck, an unearned gift, a happy accident, and this recipe falls in that category.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

With the appeal of some of the talent already on their roster and a new $150-million practice facility scheduled to open in 2027, the Sparks are positioning themselves for their best season in a while.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

They have not been sent to the Gulf in a while.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

He hadn’t thought of this memory in a while, and he wasn’t thrilled that this was the time his mind decided to turn to that page in its mental Rolodex.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro