32+ Other Ways to Say in the Meantime (40 Examples)

We all get stuck using the same words, day after day. You might want to switch things up, keep your writing fresh, or just sound more natural when you chat. Sometimes you need a short phrase, other times a quick word does the job just fine. This list gives you plenty of choices for those moments when you are waiting for something else to happen. Grab a cup of coffee, relax, and find a new favorite way to talk.

Casual Ways to Say in the Meantime

For Now

You can use this when you need a quick, simple way to fill a gap. It works perfectly for short waits, or when you are just killing time until the real fun begins. It sounds very friendly, and your friends will know exactly what you mean without thinking too hard. Keep it light, keep it easy, and save your brain power for later when the big event finally arrives, okay?

• For now, just sit back and relax.
• I will stay here for now, until you get back.
• Put the books away for now, we can read later.
• We have enough supplies for now, so let us wait.

While We Wait

This phrase is great because it reminds people that you are both sitting still. It turns a boring wait into a shared moment, which makes things feel less lonely. Use this in a text to a buddy, maybe when you are both standing in a long line at the movies, or just hanging out until the pizza guy shows up at your front door, finally.

• While we wait, why not play a game?
• We can talk while we wait, if you want.
• While we wait, the clock seems to tick slower.
• Let us grab a drink while we wait, friend.

Until Then

You might use this when something is going to happen later, but not right away. It is like a bridge, connecting your current moment to the future. It feels very hopeful, like you are looking forward to the next part of your day, or a big event that is coming up soon. It is nice, clean, and gets the job done without any fuss at all.

• I will be busy, but until then, good luck.
• The show starts at eight, until then, let us eat.
• See you soon, and until then, take care.
• He is coming home later, until then, we wait.

In the Gap

This one is a bit more creative, and it sounds like you are filling a hole in your schedule. It works well when you have a bit of empty space, maybe between two long meetings or two errands. It keeps things breezy, and it shows people that you know how to use your time wisely, even when you are just sitting around doing nothing at all.

• In the gap, we found a fun little shop.
• Fill the time in the gap, and read a book.
• Nothing happened in the gap, so we rested well.
• We talked in the gap, just to stay busy.

Meanwhile

This is a classic word, and it is very short and sweet. You see it in books, but it works just as well in a text or a casual chat. It flows fast, so it does not slow down your sentence. Use it when you are telling a story, or explaining two things happening at once, because it is very easy for anyone to follow along.

• He ran home, meanwhile, I stayed at the park.
• Meanwhile, the rain started to fall on us.
• She cooked, meanwhile, I set the table nicely.
• The cat slept, meanwhile, the dog played outside.

During This Time

You use this when you want to talk about a longer stretch of waiting. It feels a little more serious than just a quick minute, maybe like a few hours or even a whole week. It is a good way to stay clear about what is happening, so nobody gets confused about your plans. Just keep it steady, and you will do just fine today.

• During this time, we can clean the kitchen.
• I will study, during this time, you can relax.
• During this time, the world feels very quiet.
• Keep working during this time, and stay focused.

Between Now and Then

This phrase covers all the minutes that lead up to your big moment. It sounds like you are planning ahead, which is always a good look. It is very helpful when you want to show that you have a plan for the waiting period. Use it when you want to be clear about your steps, without sounding like you are writing a boring report, okay?

• Between now and then, I will get ready.
• We have a plan between now and then.
• Between now and then, let us be patient.
• Sleep well between now and then, my friend.

Just Hang On

This is a very warm, human way to say wait. It tells the other person that things will be okay, and that you are right there with them. It is perfect for a friend who is feeling a bit worried or impatient. It is not formal at all, and that is exactly why it works so well for keeping things kind and soft.

• Just hang on, the bus will be here soon.
• Just hang on, I need to find my keys.
• You should just hang on, until things clear up.
• I will just hang on, until you call me.

In the Interim

This one sounds a bit fancy, but it is still very clear. You might use it if you want to sound just a little bit smart, but not stuffy. It works in an office email or a note to a coworker who likes big words. It is like the cousin of in the meantime, just wearing a slightly nicer shirt for the day.

• In the interim, please keep the door locked.
• We can use the old tools in the interim.
• Check the mail in the interim, just in case.
• In the interim, we will keep you updated.

Short Term

This phrase focuses on the quick fix. If you are waiting for a permanent solution, you can use this to talk about the temporary fix you are using today. It is very practical, and it makes you sound like a person who knows how to solve problems on the fly. Everyone loves a person who can fix things fast, don’t you think?

• For the short term, this chair will do fine.
• We have a plan, but only for the short term.
• In the short term, just keep the lights on.
• This works for the short term, but change it.

Professional Ways to Say in the Meantime

Pending Further Notice

You will see this in serious work emails or official signs. It means you should keep doing what you are doing until someone tells you otherwise. It sounds very solid and firm. Use it when you are the boss, or when you are giving clear instructions to a team, to make sure everyone stays on the right path, without any guessing.

• Pending further notice, the office remains closed.
• We wait, pending further notice, for the news.
• Stay calm, pending further notice, from the team.
• Pending further notice, keep working on the file.

In the Interim Period

This sounds very professional and calm. It is a nice way to describe a block of time where things are changing or moving slowly. You can use it in a meeting to keep everyone focused on what to do while the main goal is still being built. It helps keep the mood stable and organized, which is always good in an office setting.

• In the interim period, we will plan ahead.
• Please stay busy in the interim period, okay?
• In the interim period, do not start new work.
• We track progress in the interim period now.

Until Such Time

This is a very formal way to set a limit. You use it when you have a specific event that will end the waiting. It sounds like you are following a set of rules, which is perfect for contracts or big group projects. It is very clear, and it leaves no room for people to wonder what you mean, which is really helpful.

• Until such time, no changes are allowed here.
• Wait until such time as the report arrives.
• Until such time, please hold your questions.
• We work until such time as the goal is met.

While Waiting for Results

This phrase is very honest. It tells people exactly why you are waiting. It is great for a project that needs data or feedback from someone else. It sounds smart because it shows you are waiting for a real reason, not just sitting around for fun. It keeps people patient and helps them understand your slow pace, which is quite nice.

• While waiting for results, check the data again.
• We rest while waiting for results from tests.
• While waiting for results, we can start prep.
• Stay positive while waiting for results today.

For the Duration

This means you are waiting for the whole time something lasts. It is a very sturdy phrase, and it sounds like you are fully committed to the task. Use it when you need to show you are ready for a long haul. It sounds professional and strong, like you are a person who sticks with things until the very end, truly.

• For the duration, we will keep the site open.
• Stay alert for the duration of the storm.
• For the duration, please wear your hard hat.
• Help us for the duration of the project, please.

During the Interval

You can use this to talk about the break between two big parts of a day. It sounds very organized, like you have a schedule and you are following it well. It is a great phrase for a busy office or a school day where things move from one thing to the next, and you need to keep things moving along smoothly.

• During the interval, we can have some lunch.
• Stop during the interval, and then start again.
• During the interval, keep the noise down low.
• We prepare during the interval, for the talk.

Pending Outcome

This is very short and sounds like a business person. It means you are waiting for the final result before you do anything else. It is very clear and saves a lot of time. If you want to sound like you know exactly what is going on, this is the phrase for you. It is sharp, fast, and very professional.

• Pending outcome, we keep the funds in place.
• We sit, pending outcome, of the big vote.
• Pending outcome, you should wait to buy more.
• No moves, pending outcome, of the legal talk.

Temporarily

This is a simple, honest word that everyone knows. You use it when you know your plan is not going to last forever. It is very useful and keeps things from sounding too heavy or permanent. It is always nice to use words that everyone can understand, so nobody feels left out or confused by your fancy language, right?

• Temporarily, we will store the items here.
• This works temporarily, but we need more soon.
• Please sit temporarily, while I clear a chair.
• Temporarily, the road is closed for repairs.

Creative Ways to Say in the Meantime

While the Wheels Turn

This sounds like a picture of something moving behind the scenes. It is very vivid, and it helps people understand that work is happening even if they cannot see it. Use this when you want to sound a bit more poetic or interesting than a regular person. It adds a nice little spark to your talk, which is always fun.

• While the wheels turn, keep your spirits high.
• We wait while the wheels turn at the office.
• While the wheels turn, we prepare our next move.
• Things improve while the wheels turn slowly.

During the Lull

A lull is a quiet moment in a busy day. Use this when things are finally slow after a big rush. It sounds very calm, like you are sitting on a porch watching the sun go down. It is a great way to describe a break, and it makes you sound observant and peaceful, which is a nice vibe to have.

• During the lull, let us catch our breath now.
• We can talk during the lull in the storm.
• During the lull, the birds started to sing.
• Nothing happens during the lull, so we wait.

In the Quiet Hours

This is a very soft way to talk about waiting. It brings to mind early mornings or late nights when the world is still. It works well if you want to sound thoughtful or kind. Use it when you are talking about something personal, or when you just want to add a bit of beauty to your plain sentences, you know?

• In the quiet hours, I think of the plan.
• We study in the quiet hours of the night.
• In the quiet hours, you can hear the wind.
• Let us talk in the quiet hours of today.

While the Dust Settles

This is a classic way to say you are waiting for things to get back to normal. If there has been a lot of mess or change, use this to show you are waiting for the calm to return. It is very relatable, and it shows you understand that life gets messy sometimes, which makes you sound like a very wise friend.

• While the dust settles, let us stay inside.
• We wait while the dust settles on the news.
• While the dust settles, do not make any moves.
• Let things be while the dust settles today.

During the Pause

This is simple, but it sounds very intentional. It shows that you chose to stop and wait, rather than being forced into it. It sounds like you are the one in charge of the clock. It is a very cool, collected way to talk, and it makes people trust that you have everything under control, even when things are slow.

• During the pause, we looked at the map.
• Stop during the pause, and then start again.
• During the pause, he found a better way out.
• We relax during the pause in the music.

While the Clock Ticks

This phrase adds a little bit of drama to your wait. It makes the time feel like it is moving forward, even if you are not doing anything. Use it when you want to show that you are aware of the time passing. It is a bit exciting, like you are counting down to something big, which is always fun.

• While the clock ticks, I feel very ready.
• We worry while the clock ticks so loudly.
• While the clock ticks, let us stay busy.
• He stares while the clock ticks in the hall.

In the Waiting Room

Even if you are not in a real room with chairs, this phrase is a funny way to talk about a period of waiting. It makes a bad situation sound a bit more lighthearted. If you want to show your sense of humor, use this to describe your current spot in life, like when you are waiting for a text back.

• In the waiting room of life, we have patience.
• We sit in the waiting room, for the call.
• In the waiting room, I read a funny book.
• Stay cool in the waiting room, my friend.

While the Pot Simmers

This is a great one for when things are cooking along behind the scenes. It means progress is happening, but it is slow and steady. It is a warm, kitchen-style way to talk about a project or a goal. People will like this because it sounds very natural and not at all like a boring business meeting, which is perfect.

• While the pot simmers, we can take a break.
• The plan grows while the pot simmers nicely.
• While the pot simmers, let us have some tea.
• We watch while the pot simmers on the stove.

In the Meantime and Between Time

This is a bit of a fun, rhyming phrase. It sounds almost like a saying your grandma might have used. It is playful, a little bit silly, and very easy to say. Use it when you want to make someone smile, because it is just a nice, bouncy way to fill the air with words while you wait.

• In the meantime and between time, keep busy.
• We wait in the meantime and between time.
• Do something in the meantime and between time.
• It is long in the meantime and between time.

Cheesy Ways to Say in the Meantime

Till We Meet Again

This is very sweet and sounds like it belongs in a song or a movie. You can use it when you are saying goodbye to a friend for a while. It adds a little bit of magic to your talk. Even if it is a bit corny, people usually love it because it shows you care about them and the time you spent together.

• Till we meet again, stay happy and safe.
• I will wait till we meet again, my friend.
• Till we meet again, keep a smile on you.
• We promise to talk till we meet again soon.

While Our Hearts Wait

This is very emotional, so use it carefully. It is best for someone you love, or a very dear friend. It makes a normal wait feel like a deep, meaningful experience. It is very romantic or very kind, depending on who you are talking to. Keep it for the people who really get you, and it will be perfect.

• While our hearts wait, we can send notes.
• I hope for you while our hearts wait now.
• While our hearts wait, let us think good.
• We dream while our hearts wait for the day.

In the Land of Waiting

This sounds like a fairy tale. It makes the wait seem like a place you are traveling through together. It is very cute, and it helps turn a boring wait into a small adventure. You can use this with your partner or a close family member to make the day feel a bit more lighthearted and special, don’t you think?

• In the land of waiting, we play silly games.
• We live in the land of waiting, for now.
• In the land of waiting, the days fly by.
• Let us skip in the land of waiting today.

While Stars Align

This sounds like you are waiting for the universe to do something special for you. It is very hopeful and a bit dreamy. Use it when you are waiting for a lucky break or a big event. It shows you have a bit of faith, which is always a nice, warm quality to have in a friend.

• While stars align, we can make our plans.
• Good luck comes while stars align for us.
• While stars align, the world feels very soft.
• We sit and hope while stars align tonight.

Till the Dawn Breaks

This phrase is very dramatic and sounds like something from an old book. Use it when you are waiting for a new start, or a big change in your life. It is very bold, and it shows you are looking forward to the future. It is a bit over the top, but that is the fun part, right?

• Till the dawn breaks, we will keep watch.
• I will stay till the dawn breaks on us.
• Till the dawn breaks, we wait for the sun.
• Hope grows till the dawn breaks for real.

In the Span of a Dream

This sounds very soft and kind of fuzzy. It makes the wait feel like a short, nice moment. Use this when you are waiting for something lovely to happen, like a visit or a party. It makes the time feel less like waiting and more like getting ready for a wonderful gift that is coming your way.

• In the span of a dream, we will see you.
• We rest in the span of a dream, for now.
• In the span of a dream, time goes fast.
• Stay calm in the span of a dream, today.

While Destiny Calls

This is very grand and sounds like you are the hero of a story. It is a funny way to talk about waiting for an email or a phone call. It adds a sense of importance to even the smallest things, which can be very entertaining for your friends to read or hear. Keep it silly, and it works great.

• While destiny calls, we will wait right here.
• We plan while destiny calls for our work.
• While destiny calls, let us have a laugh.
• Stay ready while destiny calls for us soon.

Short and Simple Ways to Say in the Meantime

Soon

This is the shortest way to say it, and it is very powerful. It does not give a time, but it promises that the wait will end. It is great for when you are in a rush and do not have time for long sentences. It is clear, direct, and very easy for everyone to grasp quickly.

• Soon, we will be finished with the work.
• I will see you soon, for our big talk.
• Soon, things will start to look much better.
• We expect the news soon, so do not worry.

Later

This is super casual. It is the best way to tell someone you are moving on to another thing for a bit. It is very common, and you probably use it all the time without even thinking. It is the perfect word to use when you want to keep things light and not worry about being fancy at all.

• I will do that later, when I have time.
• See you later, for the fun part tonight.
• We can eat later, after the work is done.
• Do it later, and stay relaxed right now.

Still

You can use this to show that things haven’t changed yet, but they will. It is very short and very punchy. It keeps the focus on the current moment, which is nice if you want to be very clear about where you are at. It is a tiny word that packs a lot of meaning into a small space.

• We are still waiting for the bus today.
• I am still here, until you come back.
• Still, we have hope for a good result.
• Things are still the same, but wait longer.

Pending

This sounds like you are a busy person who has a lot of tasks on their list. It is very efficient and looks good in a quick note or a text message. It tells people that you are on top of things, even if the result has not happened yet. It is the perfect word for a quick update.

• The plan is pending, so hold your horses.
• My decision is pending, until I hear more.
• All tasks are pending, until we get data.
• Everything is pending, so just be patient.

Waiting

This is the most honest way to say it. It describes exactly what you are doing. It is not trying to be smart or funny, just plain and clear. Sometimes that is the best way to be. It shows you are not hiding anything and you are just taking things as they come, which is very cool.

• We are just waiting, for the news today.
• I am waiting, until you are ready, friend.
• Keep waiting, for the best result ever.
• He is waiting, for the right time now.

Next

This looks forward to the thing that is coming up soon. It is a very active way to talk about your plans. Instead of focusing on the wait, you focus on the future. It is a very positive way to see things, and it helps you feel excited about what is coming next in your day.

• Next, we can go grab a cold drink.
• What is next, after we finish this part?
• Do the next thing, until we can move.
• The next step is waiting for the call.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope these phrases help you change how you talk or write. You now have plenty of ways to say the same thing, so you can pick the one that feels right. Just keep it simple, talk to your friends like a real person, and have some fun with your words every single day.