1
as in time
the period during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress
for the whole duration of the speech the bored audience fidgeted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in continuation
uninterrupted or lasting existence
scientists warning that the very duration of our civilization depends upon finding a solution to this major environmental problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of duration
However, treatment may shorten its duration and is important for preventing other symptoms.
—
Lakshmi Chauhan, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
Given how directly sleep duration ties to CAR timing, this is one of your strongest levers.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
The right duration depends on the person.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will now be referred to as Atlanta Stadium for the duration of the World Cup festivities and coverage.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Lakshmi Chauhan, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
Given how directly sleep duration ties to CAR timing, this is one of your strongest levers.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
The right duration depends on the person.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will now be referred to as Atlanta Stadium for the duration of the World Cup festivities and coverage.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duration
Noun
-
O’Neal, the daughter of four-time NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, entered the portal April 14 after two seasons at UF; former head coach Kelly Rae Finley was fired by administration in March after five seasons at the helm.—
Caroline Makauskas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During a 10-year stretch from 2012 to 2020, Rolando had 40 or more players in the program six times, peaking at 57 in 2012.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Other Bennet Sister BritBox, May 6 Hadlow’s continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice imagines the fortunes of Mary Bennet, aka the boring (though not entirely ignored) one.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
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There’s comfort in the continuation of this world, from the same creative team.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Falcon Heavy may have a limited lifespan in the coming years as SpaceX continues to develop the new Starship and Super Heavy rocket, which would take over the heavy-lift responsibilities for Falcon Heavy.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
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But recent studies in yeast, flies and mice showed that relatively low doses of the drug often increase the creatures’ lifespans, prompting many longevity enthusiasts to start using it off-label to extend their lifespans.—
Gretchen Reynolds,
Washington Post,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The government has announced austerity measures to control public spending and ensure the continuity of essential services amid the risk of disruptions in oil supply.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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Rodríguez’s rise to interim leadership has signaled continuity in key areas of state control, even as her government adopts a more pragmatic tone toward the United States.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
But Jones only lit a fuse that had been slowly burning in Romans for a lifetime.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
-
The Tennessee committed junior missed her lifetime-best in the 100 by only five hundreths.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The trial was set to begin on May 26, but the parties asked for a lengthy continuance to pursue further discovery and discuss a possible settlement.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Because the case will be decided by Cook County Judge Carl Boyd instead of a jury, the trial is not subject to the same time pressures and may have long continuances.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nowadays, films with box-office appeal are audience-tested within an inch of their lives.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
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The Knicks made life difficult for him in the halfcourt, and once that happened, Atlanta’s offense kept running into dead ends.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While the strategy once appeared premature, Time notes that persistence paid off.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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In adult-serving programs, the difference between persistence and withdrawal is often response time, proactive advising and timely academic support.—
Ian Gibson,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duration. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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