awhile

[uh-hwahyl, uh-wahyl] / əˈʰwaɪl, əˈwaɪl /

ADVERB

for a short period

Synonyms

WEAK

briefly for a bit for a little while for a moment for a spell for a while for the moment momentarily not for long temporarily transiently

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.

See Examples For:

awhile

Even if the war ends soon, it could take awhile to restore some energy supply.

From Barron's ● Mar. 23, 2026

Chrissy Lawler saw her social life dry up awhile back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

It feels like this game will be close for awhile, and Seattle will pull away just enough in the second half.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2026

While it doesn’t necessarily mean the stock is in trouble, since this technical condition can last for awhile and be worked off without a selloff, it does suggest caution.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 21, 2026

As soon as he came home from work he would lie on his cot and try to doze awhile.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word