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.

Once Wrobleski’s job was done, he paced in the dugout, interrupted once in a while by a hug or handshakes from a teammate.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 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

If you haven’t hunted for a job in a while, you might be surprised by how integral LinkedIn has become.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Once in a while, fans even track her down and follow her around in real life.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

She sat there beside me, both of us looking out, blinking every once in a while, and I let what she said to me settle into my heart.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

in a while

Example Sentences

Related Words