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

Once in a while, they got beef, from cattle they assume was rustled.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

"It was eye-opening to see other people who are living the same situation that I've been… and to feel like I could kind of relate to people for the first time in a while."

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

But once in a while, as in Boyle Heights, things go blooey big time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

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

Every once in a while, a bubble would swell and burst, disgorging a monster like a larva from an egg.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

in a while

Example Sentences

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