Is there any way to wait for a value without using JDialog or JOptionPane?

Question

I am implementing a dictionary program by detecting word in a JTextPane and asking a user to choose one of available meanings from JOptionPane or JDialog. The program runs under a while-loop until all dictionary words are detected or a user clicks cancel.
However, I don't want to use JDialog or JOptionPane because it is sometimes annoying to have a popup window on every detected dictionary word.
So, I use JList with Buttons on the same Frame as the JTextPane. However, now, the program does not stop when it detects a dictionary word. It just uses a default value of the JList for translating word to meaning.
Is there any way I can simulate the JDialog or JOptionPane without using it?
I mean I'd like to stopp the program temporary, wait for an answer from other components, and then continue to detect the next dictionary word.
Thank you.

Answer 1

I'm probably reading this all wrong, but instead of the while loop,
the method just looked for a dictionary word from a particular caretPosition,
so, to start, it would be findWord(0)
when found, add whatever to wherever, note the caretPostion at the end of the 'found' word, and method returns.
when the user selects whatever button, the button's actionListener also calls the method again, using the noted caretPosition
findWord(42);
so, it starts searching from 42 (instead of the start)
basically it is event driven
findWord sets the button/s
click a button starts findWord