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.

A question I used to hear once in a while has become one of the most common requests on my desk.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

It confused a lot of them, but every once in a while somebody would say something so we’re using those for promo spots.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2026

The year is on track to be one of the busiest for IPOs in a while after years of muted activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

Once in a while, fans even track her down and follow her around in real life.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Although I spent most of my time with Zohra, Mustafa and I bonded in a way we haven’t in a while.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

in a while

Example Sentences

Related Words