for a while
For a bit
For a while indicates a period of time—not brief, but not indefinitely long either.
The phrase is deliberately vague about duration: I lived in Boston for a while, Let's wait here for a while.
It suggests enough time to be noticeable but leaves the exact span unspecified.
We haven't talked in a while implies a gap worth remarking on.
For a limited time
- provisionallyConditionally, pending confirmation
- short-termOf limited duration
- impermanentlyIn non-lasting fashion
- transientlyFor a short time
Intervening time interval
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- in betweenIn the middle space
- interludePause between sections
- intervalDuration between two points
waiting period · pause · gap · transitional period · holding pattern · limbo
Brief period of time
- spellArrange letters correctly
- bitSmall amount or portion
- short timeBrief duration
- stretchPull to extend
jiffy · tick · passing moment · limited time
temporarily
For a limited time
- provisionallyConditionally, pending confirmation
- short-termOf limited duration
- impermanentlyIn non-lasting fashion
meantime
Intervening time interval
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- in betweenIn the middle space
- interludePause between sections
interval · waiting period · pause · gap · transitional period · holding pattern · limbo
moment
Brief period of time
- spellArrange letters correctly
- bitSmall amount or portion
- short timeBrief duration
stretch · jiffy · tick · passing moment · limited time
long time
Extended period elapsed
- agesExtended time spans
for a whilepermanently
In an unchanging manner
forever · for good · eternally · indefinitely · in perpetuity
for a whilefor a moment
During a brief interval
momentarily · briefly · fleetingly · in a flash · instantaneously