Definitions

in a while

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afterward/afterwards adv.
later adv.
ulteriorly adv.

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.

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in a while

It’s because in baseball, if you listen, and you’re not afraid to take a chance once in a while, even somebody with my lack of ability can stay around for a while,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

A weak U.S. jobs report did what bad news hadn’t done in a while: It made U.S. debt look like a safe haven again — albeit briefly.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026

Is disconnected eating happening once in a while, or is it the status quo for most meals?

From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026

Better yet, maybe call out something you admire once in a while.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

These were mostly my mom’s books, but Dad opened them every once in a while to learn about the things he dredged up while scuba diving.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

in a while

Example Sentences

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