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

Once in a while, a conspiracy theory may be wrong but still manages to channel authentic frustrations.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

Ben Sasse: Thanks for letting me be a part of your page once in a while.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

As it only comes along once in a while, it is where we get the phrase "once in a Blue Moon" from.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Just because Thomas hadn’t called in a while didn’t mean we were no longer friends.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

in a while

Example Sentences

Related Words