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.

“Tesla has not surprised to the upside to this degree in a while, a healthy sign the auto business is here to stay,” William Blair’s Jed Dorsheimer said in a note last week.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 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

And for the first time in a while, I could feel my heart open without needing to turn the moment into a future.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

I saw those too, and once in a while I’d take a fresh egg from one of their nests as a special treat to boil in my clay pot or bake in a wood fire.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

in a while

Example Sentences

Related Words