While
While conjunction - At or during the time that.
Usage example: pay attention while I'm explaining how the new phone system works
When is a synonym for while in even though topic. In some cases you can use "When" instead the word "While" as a conjunction or a preposition. popular alternative
When
While is a synonym for when in duration topic. You can use "While" instead the word "When" as a conjunction or a preposition, if it concerns topics such as though. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
When and While. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/while/when
While & When. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/while/when>.
When or While. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/while/when.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "while" and "when" have occurred on timeline