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.

"Maybe we'll try some spicy takes once in a while," she added.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

“All kinds of trash you would see floating in the ocean—food wrappers, bottles, clothing. Once in a while, you would even see a piece of crap.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Every once in a while a match comes along that reminds us all why football is referred to as the beautiful game.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“If I start wondering about someone I haven’t seen in a while, I’ll ask him, just to make sure they’re OK.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

To really think about it, because for the first time in a while I am not sure whether I have an answer.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

in a while

Example Sentences

Related Words