If you need 34 synonyms for meanwhile, the best choice depends on what you mean. Some alternatives directly express something happening during the same period, while others work only in specific contexts such as transitions, interruptions, or waiting. Choosing the right phrase can make an email, essay, story, or conversation sound more natural.
This guide explains the closest alternatives, formal options, casual expressions, and context-specific phrases. You will also see examples showing exactly when each alternative works—and when it changes the meaning.
Quick Answer
The closest synonyms for meanwhile include in the meantime, in the interim, at the same time, during this time, simultaneously, concurrently, at the same moment, and while that happens. The best choice depends on context: in the meantime is natural and versatile, while in the interim is more formal.
Quick List: 34 Alternatives to Meanwhile
Closest Alternatives
- In the meantime
- In the interim
- During this time
- At the same time
- At the same moment
- While that happens
- While this is happening
- In the time between
- During that time
- Simultaneously
Formal or Professional Alternatives
- Concurrently
- At the same time
- During the intervening period
- In the interim
- In the intervening period
- During the same period
- At that time
- Over the same period
Neutral Alternatives
- While this happens
- While this is going on
- During this period
- In the meantime
- At the same time
- As this happens
- During that interval
- While waiting
Contextual Alternatives
- In the interval
- In the gap
- In the meantime, elsewhere
- While waiting for that
- Until then
- Before then
- In the period between
- As a temporary measure
Not all 34 expressions are interchangeable. For example, until then refers to a period leading up to a future point, while simultaneously emphasizes actions occurring at the same time.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Formal Alternatives to Meanwhile
In the interim
Meaning: During the period between two events.
Explanation: This is one of the closest formal equivalents to meanwhile. It is particularly common in business, administrative, and professional writing.
Example: The committee will review the proposal. In the interim, staff members will gather additional data.
Best use: Reports, formal emails, business communication, and official writing.
Worst use: Casual conversation where it may sound unnecessarily formal.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Concurrently
Meaning: At the same time.
Explanation: Concurrently focuses strongly on two activities happening during overlapping periods. It is more technical than meanwhile.
Example: The two research teams worked concurrently on separate parts of the project.
Best use: Academic, technical, business, and professional writing.
Worst use: Friendly messages where a simpler phrase would sound more natural.
Tone: Formal and precise.
During the intervening period
Meaning: During the time between two events.
Explanation: This phrase is more precise than meanwhile when the writer wants to identify a specific period separating two events.
Example: The application is being reviewed. During the intervening period, applicants may submit supporting documents.
Best use: Formal reports and administrative documents.
Worst use: Casual speech.
Tone: Very formal.
In the intervening period
Meaning: During the period between two points or events.
Explanation: Similar to in the interim, but slightly more explicit about the gap between events.
Example: The building was scheduled for renovation. In the intervening period, temporary offices were arranged.
Best use: Formal writing and historical or analytical descriptions.
Worst use: Informal texting.
Tone: Formal.
During the same period
Meaning: Throughout the same period of time.
Explanation: This is a contextual alternative rather than a perfect synonym. It works when you want to emphasize a shared time frame.
Example: Sales increased during the summer. During the same period, website traffic also rose.
Best use: Reports, research, and data analysis.
Worst use: Narrative writing where a smoother transition is needed.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
At that time
Meaning: At the particular time being discussed.
Explanation: This does not always mean meanwhile. It refers to a specific point or period rather than necessarily signaling two simultaneous actions.
Example: The company was expanding rapidly. At that time, it had fewer than fifty employees.
Best use: Historical or explanatory writing.
Worst use: When you specifically need to show simultaneous action.
Tone: Neutral.
Over the same period
Meaning: Throughout the same period.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when comparing developments occurring during a shared time frame.
Example: Costs declined over the same period that production increased.
Best use: Reports, statistics, and academic writing.
Worst use: Casual conversation.
Tone: Neutral to formal.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Semi-Formal and Neutral Alternatives
In the meantime
Meaning: During the period before something else happens.
Explanation: This is the most versatile alternative to meanwhile. It can introduce another action that takes place while waiting for an event or decision.
Example: The technician will arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, you can restart the device.
Best use: Emails, conversations, instructions, and everyday writing.
Worst use: Situations where there is no intervening period.
Tone: Neutral and natural.
At the same time
Meaning: During the same moment or period.
Explanation: This is a true synonym in many contexts, but it can also mean however or despite that depending on sentence structure.
Example: Maria prepared dinner. At the same time, her brother cleaned the kitchen.
Best use: General writing and conversation.
Worst use: When the intended meaning is specifically “while waiting.”
Tone: Neutral.
During this time
Meaning: Throughout the period currently being discussed.
Explanation: This works when a previously mentioned period is already clear.
Example: The machine will be offline for two hours. During this time, please use the backup system.
Best use: Instructions, notices, emails, and explanatory writing.
Worst use: When no time period has been established.
Tone: Neutral.
During that time
Meaning: Throughout a previously mentioned period.
Explanation: Similar to during this time, but points backward to a period already discussed.
Example: He lived in Boston for three years. During that time, he studied architecture.
Best use: Narratives, biographies, and explanations.
Worst use: When the reader cannot identify which period that time refers to.
Tone: Neutral.
While that happens
Meaning: During the event being described.
Explanation: This is a natural conversational alternative when one event is occurring while another takes place.
Example: Put the vegetables in the oven. While that happens, prepare the sauce.
Best use: Instructions and everyday speech.
Worst use: Formal reports.
Tone: Casual to neutral.
While this is happening
Meaning: During the current event or process.
Explanation: It clearly connects two simultaneous actions.
Example: The software is installing. While this is happening, avoid shutting down the computer.
Best use: Instructions and technical explanations.
Worst use: Highly formal documents.
Tone: Neutral.
While this is going on
Meaning: During an ongoing situation or event.
Explanation: This is more conversational than meanwhile and works especially well when describing an ongoing process.
Example: The children were getting ready. While this was going on, their parents packed the car.
Best use: Stories and casual explanations.
Worst use: Formal academic writing.
Tone: Conversational.
As this happens
Meaning: At the same time that this event occurs.
Explanation: This phrase highlights simultaneous action.
Example: The temperature rises as this happens, the ice begins to melt.
Best use: Explanations, science writing, and instructions.
Worst use: Situations where the two events are not actually simultaneous.
Tone: Neutral.
Simultaneously
Meaning: Happening at exactly or approximately the same time.
Explanation: A precise alternative to meanwhile when simultaneous timing is the main point.
Example: Both systems were updated simultaneously.
Best use: Technical, academic, and professional writing.
Worst use: Simple everyday sentences where it sounds too formal.
Tone: Formal.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Informal and Casual Alternatives
English has fewer true slang equivalents for meanwhile. Most casual alternatives are phrases that describe the same situation rather than direct synonyms.
While that’s happening
Meaning: During another ongoing event.
Example: While that’s happening, I’ll pick up the supplies.
When natural: Everyday conversation.
When to avoid: Formal business documents.
Tone: Casual.
While we wait
Meaning: During the time spent waiting for something.
Example: The food will take twenty minutes. While we wait, let’s grab a table.
When natural: Conversations and everyday situations.
When to avoid: When nobody is actually waiting.
Tone: Casual and natural.
Until then
Meaning: During the period before a specified future time or event.
Example: The results will arrive Friday. Until then, please keep your receipt.
When natural: Instructions, emails, conversations.
When to avoid: When the two events are simply simultaneous rather than separated by waiting.
Tone: Neutral.
In the gap
Meaning: During a space or interval between two events.
Example: In the gap between meetings, I answered a few emails.
When natural: Informal descriptions.
When to avoid: Formal writing where in the interim would be clearer.
Tone: Casual.
Synonyms for Meanwhile True Synonyms vs. Contextual Alternatives
| Type | What It Means | Can It Replace the Original? |
|---|---|---|
| True synonym | Expresses the same simultaneous or intervening time relationship | Usually |
| Near synonym | Has a closely related meaning but may change emphasis | Sometimes |
| Contextual alternative | Works only in certain situations | Only in the right context |
| Broader expression | Covers a wider time relationship | Sometimes |
| Narrower expression | Describes a more specific type of time relationship | Only in specific contexts |
The safest replacements are generally in the meantime, at the same time, and in the interim. Other choices should be selected according to the exact relationship between the events.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Industry-Specific Usage
Business Writing
Business writing often benefits from precise time transitions.
Instead of:
The manager will review the proposal. Meanwhile, the team will collect feedback.
You could write:
The manager will review the proposal. In the meantime, the team will collect feedback.
For a more formal report:
The manager will review the proposal. In the interim, the team will collect additional feedback.
Corporate Communication
Internal announcements often need clarity rather than sophisticated vocabulary.
Natural:
The office renovation begins Monday. During this time, employees can work from the temporary location.
More formal:
The renovation will begin Monday. During the intervening period, employees will use the temporary workspace.
The first version is generally easier for a broad internal audience.
Academic Writing
Academic writing benefits from precise descriptions of chronology.
Example:
Researchers collected the samples in June. During the same period, the laboratory conducted preliminary analysis.
For simultaneous processes:
The two experiments were conducted concurrently.
Use simultaneously or concurrently when timing itself is important to your argument.
Customer Service
Customer communication should favor clarity.
Instead of:
Meanwhile, your request is being reviewed.
Try:
In the meantime, your request is being reviewed by our support team.
Or:
While your request is being reviewed, you can check your account for updates.
Avoid unnecessarily formal expressions such as during the intervening period unless the context genuinely calls for formal language.
Legal Writing
Legal documents often require exact temporal relationships. Meanwhile, in the interim, until then, and during that period can have different implications depending on the surrounding provisions.
For example:
The parties will meet on June 10. In the interim, each party will continue to follow the existing arrangement.
A legal writer should not substitute a casual expression simply because it sounds like a synonym. The exact wording can affect scope and interpretation. For jurisdiction-specific legal drafting, professional legal review is appropriate.
Email Communication
For most professional emails, in the meantime is the safest natural choice.
The revised document should be ready tomorrow. In the meantime, please review the attached figures.
If the email is highly formal:
The committee expects to reach a decision next week. In the interim, no further action is required.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Email Examples
Project Update
Subject: Project Review Update
Hi Jordan,
The team expects to finish reviewing the proposal by Thursday. In the meantime, I’ll organize the feedback we have already received.
I’ll send you the consolidated notes once the review is complete.
Best,
Maya
Customer Follow-Up
Subject: Your Service Request
Hello Daniel,
Our technician is scheduled to inspect the issue tomorrow morning. Until then, please avoid using the affected equipment.
Thank you for your patience.
Best,
Customer Support
Academic Email
Subject: Research Project Update
Hi Professor Lee,
I’m waiting for the final dataset before completing the analysis. During this time, I’ll revise the methodology section and check the references.
Thank you,
Ethan
Internal Communication
Subject: Office Renovation
Hi everyone,
The main office will be unavailable next week. While this is happening, employees can use the shared workspace on the third floor.
Please contact the office administrator if you need a desk reservation.
Thanks,
Nina
Formal Notice
Subject: Review Period
Dear Members,
The committee will consider the submitted materials during its next meeting. In the interim, no changes to the current procedure will be made.
Regards,
Administrative Office
Synonyms for Meanwhile Short Dialogue Examples
Workplace
Person A: When will the report be ready?
Person B: By Friday. In the meantime, I’ll verify the figures.
Classroom
Person A: Is the teacher checking the assignments now?
Person B: Yes. While that happens, we can start the next exercise.
Customer Service
Person A: How long will the replacement take?
Person B: About three days. Until then, you can use the temporary device.
Casual
Person A: What are you doing while Sam cooks?
Person B: While that’s happening, I’m setting the table.
Professional
Person A: Has the board reached a decision?
Person B: Not yet. In the interim, the existing policy remains in effect.
Synonyms for Meanwhile How to Replace Meanwhile in a Sentence
Example 1
Original: The doctor will call tomorrow. Meanwhile, keep monitoring your symptoms.
Alternative: The doctor will call tomorrow. In the meantime, keep monitoring your symptoms.
Why it works: The phrase clearly describes the period before the future call.
Example 2
Original: The engineers tested the new system. Meanwhile, the technicians checked the equipment.
Alternative: The engineers tested the new system. At the same time, the technicians checked the equipment.
Why it works: Both activities occurred during the same period.
Example 3
Original: The committee will meet next month. Meanwhile, the staff will prepare the documents.
Alternative: The committee will meet next month. In the interim, the staff will prepare the documents.
Why it works: In the interim gives the sentence a more formal professional tone.
Example 4
Original: The application is being processed. Meanwhile, applicants can prepare their identification documents.
Alternative: The application is being processed. During this time, applicants can prepare their identification documents.
Why it works: The phrase points directly to the processing period.
Example 5
Original: The children played outside. Meanwhile, their parents prepared dinner.
Alternative: The children played outside. While this was happening, their parents prepared dinner.
Why it works: The replacement makes the simultaneous relationship explicit.
Example 6
Original: The two teams worked on different parts of the project meanwhile.
Alternative: The two teams worked on different parts of the project concurrently.
Why it works: Concurrently directly emphasizes overlapping work.
Example 7
Original: The repair will take several hours. Meanwhile, you can use the waiting area.
Alternative: The repair will take several hours. While you wait, you can use the waiting area.
Why it works: The new phrase makes the waiting situation clear.
Example 8
Original: The results will be announced Monday. Meanwhile, candidates should keep their confirmation emails.
Alternative: The results will be announced Monday. Until then, candidates should keep their confirmation emails.
Why it works: Until then establishes a clear endpoint.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Meaning / Scope | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In the meantime | Neutral | During an intervening period | General writing | In the meantime, we’ll wait. |
| In the interim | Formal | During the period between events | Business | In the interim, no changes will occur. |
| At the same time | Neutral | Simultaneous activity | Everyday writing | She called at the same time. |
| Concurrently | Formal | Events occurring together | Technical writing | The systems operated concurrently. |
| During this time | Neutral | Throughout a known period | Instructions | During this time, stay nearby. |
| While that happens | Casual | During another event | Conversation | While that happens, I’ll prepare dinner. |
| Until then | Neutral | Before a future point | Instructions | Until then, keep the receipt. |
| During the same period | Formal/neutral | Shared time frame | Reports | During the same period, sales rose. |
| While this is happening | Neutral | During an ongoing event | Explanations | While this is happening, remain seated. |
| In the intervening period | Formal | Between two events | Formal reports | In the intervening period, conditions changed. |
Synonyms for Meanwhile Which Alternative Should You Choose?
- Formal writing: Use in the interim, concurrently, or in the intervening period when the context supports a formal register.
- Business communication: In the meantime is usually clear and natural.
- Academic writing: Choose concurrently, during the same period, or at the same time based on the precise relationship.
- Legal writing: Select the phrase that accurately describes the intended time relationship rather than simply choosing the most formal-sounding expression.
- Professional email: In the meantime works in most situations.
- Everyday conversation: At the same time, while that happens, or while we wait often sounds natural.
- Casual messages: Prefer simple language such as while that happens or until then.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Grammar and Usage Guide
Meanwhile can work as a sentence adverb
A common structure is:
The train was delayed. Meanwhile, we waited at the station.
When beginning a sentence, a comma normally follows meanwhile.
It can also appear within a sentence
The manager, meanwhile, continued reviewing the documents.
Here, commas set off meanwhile as an interrupting adverb.
In the meantime is a fixed expression
In the meantime, please wait here.
Do not confuse in the meantime with in meantime. The latter is not standard American English.
At the same time has another meaning
It can describe simultaneous events:
They arrived at the same time.
But it can also introduce a contrasting point:
The plan is expensive. At the same time, it may solve the problem.
So it is not always a direct replacement for meanwhile.
Concurrently is an adverb
It usually modifies an action:
The teams worked concurrently.
It can sound unnecessarily technical in simple prose.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating every alternative as an exact synonym: Until then and in the interim do not have exactly the same function.
- Using formal words unnecessarily: Concurrently may sound stiff in a casual text.
- Ignoring the waiting relationship: Use in the meantime when an intervening period is central.
- Using meanwhile for contrast: Meanwhile primarily signals time, not disagreement or contrast.
- Creating ambiguous references: Phrases such as during this time need a clearly established time period.
- Overusing the same transition: Repeatedly writing meanwhile can make prose feel mechanical.
- Confusing simultaneity with sequence: Two events can happen during the same period without starting or ending together.
- Choosing complexity over clarity: A simple phrase is often better than a highly formal alternative.
- Using legal-sounding language casually: In the interim can sound more formal than necessary.
Synonyms for Meanwhile When Not to Use the Original Phrase
You may want an alternative to meanwhile when:
- You are writing a formal report and need a more precise temporal expression.
- You specifically mean before a future event, making until then clearer.
- You want to emphasize exact simultaneous action, making simultaneously more precise.
- You are describing a waiting period, where in the meantime sounds more natural.
- You need to identify a specific period between two events, where in the interim is clearer.
- The repeated use of meanwhile is making a narrative feel repetitive.
Still, meanwhile is often the best choice. It is short, familiar, flexible, and easy for readers to understand. Replacing it simply to sound sophisticated can make otherwise clear writing less natural.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Advanced Writer Tips
Control the tone
Compare:
Meanwhile, the team waited for instructions.
with:
In the interim, the team awaited further instructions.
The second sentence is more formal, but the first is more direct.
Match the phrase to the relationship
Ask yourself what you actually mean:
- Same time → at the same time
- Waiting period → in the meantime
- Formal gap between events → in the interim
- Exact overlap → concurrently
- Before a future event → until then
- Ongoing event → while this is happening
Prefer precision over vocabulary variety
Good writing does not require a different synonym every time. If meanwhile is the clearest option, keep it.
Avoid unnecessary formality
Words such as concurrently and intervening period can be useful, but they should serve the reader rather than showcase vocabulary.
Keep references clear
If you write:
During this time, the team continued working.
Make sure the reader immediately knows what this time refers to.
Synonyms for Meanwhile Related Questions
What is another way to say meanwhile?
In the meantime is the most versatile alternative. Other options include at the same time, in the interim, during this time, and while that happens. The appropriate choice depends on whether you mean simultaneous action, a waiting period, or a formal interval.
What is a professional alternative to meanwhile?
In the meantime is professional without sounding stiff. In the interim is more formal and works well in reports, official correspondence, and business documents.
Is meanwhile formal or informal?
Meanwhile is neutral. It works in everyday conversation, professional emails, essays, reports, and narrative writing. Its flexibility is one reason it is so commonly used.
What is the difference between meanwhile and in the meantime?
Meanwhile generally introduces something happening during the same period, while in the meantime often emphasizes what happens during the period before another expected event. In many sentences, however, they are interchangeable.
Is concurrently the same as meanwhile?
Not exactly. Concurrently specifically emphasizes activities occurring at the same time. Meanwhile can describe simultaneous activity but can also introduce an event occurring during an intervening period.
Can I use in the interim instead of meanwhile?
Yes, when you are referring to a period between two events. In the interim is more formal, so it is usually better suited to professional, administrative, or formal writing than casual conversation.
What can I use instead of meanwhile in an essay?
Depending on the sentence, consider at the same time, during this period, concurrently, in the meantime, or during the same period. Choose based on the exact timing relationship rather than simply replacing the word.
FAQs:
What are the closest synonyms for meanwhile?
The closest alternatives are in the meantime, at the same time, during this time, in the interim, and while that happens. Among these, in the meantime is the most broadly interchangeable in everyday writing.
What is the most formal synonym for meanwhile?
In the interim is a strong formal alternative. In the intervening period is even more explicit and can fit formal reports, though it is less concise.
Is in the meantime grammatically correct?
Yes. In the meantime is a standard English expression meaning during the period before another event occurs or is completed.
Can meanwhile start a sentence?
Yes. For example: Meanwhile, the other team continued working. When used this way, a comma normally follows the word.
What is the difference between meanwhile and simultaneously?
Meanwhile commonly connects two events or actions occurring during an overlapping period. Simultaneously more directly emphasizes that events happen at the same time, often with a stronger sense of exact overlap.
Is meanwhile appropriate for academic writing?
Yes. Meanwhile is grammatically and stylistically acceptable in academic writing when it accurately expresses the intended relationship between events. More precise alternatives may be preferable when timing is analytically important.
What is a simple synonym for meanwhile?
At the same time is a simple and widely understood alternative. In the meantime is another natural choice when the sentence involves waiting for a future event.
Key Takeaways
- In the meantime is the most versatile replacement for meanwhile in everyday and professional writing.
- In the interim provides a more formal way to describe the period between two events.
- At the same time focuses on simultaneous actions but can also introduce contrast.
- Until then is useful when an action continues up to a specific future event or deadline.
- The clearest synonym is usually better than the most sophisticated one; choose according to meaning, audience, and tone.
Conclusion:
The best synonym for meanwhile depends less on vocabulary and more on the relationship between the events in your sentence. If you need a natural all-purpose replacement, in the meantime is usually the easiest choice. For formal communication, in the interim can work well, while concurrently is useful when you specifically want to emphasize simultaneous activity.
Other expressions, such as during this time, at the same time, while that happens, and until then, can be excellent alternatives when their more specific meanings match your sentence. The key is not to treat all 34 expressions as interchangeable.
Some describe simultaneous events, some describe waiting periods, and others identify a gap between events. Choose the phrase that communicates the timing most precisely while still sounding natural for your audience.
I’m Daniel Carter, an English vocabulary writer who enjoys making words simple and easy to understand. At CrazySynonym.com, I create helpful guides on synonyms, meanings, antonyms, and everyday word usage to help readers choose the right words with confidence.