Meantime-Meanwhile | Commonly Confused Words

Meantime

/ˈmiːntaɪm/

The time period between two events

And, meantime, keep your health and learn all you can.In the meantime he toiled on.In the meantime he and Strassmann would carry on alone.

This word has no antonyms

/ˈmiːnwaɪl/

During the time something else is happening or in contrast to another event.

Meanwhile great events were taking place in Europe.In the meanwhile Samuel Griffiths had returned to Lycurgus.Meanwhile the tap came again.

This word has no antonyms

Meantime often refers to the period of time between two events or tasks, while meanwhile is used to compare two simultaneous events.
You can often substitute in the meantime for meanwhile in sentences, but not necessarily the other way around.
Meantime is often found in phrases as a noun, whereas meanwhile is chiefly used as an adverb.
Think of meantime as focusing more on waiting for an event, while meanwhile often highlights an ongoing event contrast.
Consider meantime as a noun phrase naturally fitting between commas, while meanwhile often begins a separate clause.