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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of duration
Natural gas has long been viewed by many as a trading commodity rather than a long-duration asset.
—
Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Their prices can tumble if the issuer’s finances weaken, creating problems for those who want to sell before the duration expires.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
These supplements may improve sleep quality and duration.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026
These include external maintenance of space stations, exploration of hazardous areas, and long-duration monitoring tasks that could otherwise expose astronauts to significant danger.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Their prices can tumble if the issuer’s finances weaken, creating problems for those who want to sell before the duration expires.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026
These supplements may improve sleep quality and duration.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026
These include external maintenance of space stations, exploration of hazardous areas, and long-duration monitoring tasks that could otherwise expose astronauts to significant danger.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duration
Noun
-
The route at the time of the collision allowed the Black Hawk to fly as close as 75 feet below planes descending to land on runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the NTSB.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many of the zombies on our list, like Vestar, Palladium Equity, Brentwood Associates, Revelar Capital and Norwegian firm FSN Capital, have raised continuation funds in the last two years.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Importantly, that range has developed around CSX’s former highs, which could resolve as a long-term continuation pattern within an ongoing uptrend.—
Frank Cappelleri,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While the financial costs of employee disengagement are significant, leadership longevity is equally critical in a context of longer lifespans and careers.—
Dilan Gomih,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin is so iconic that the MCU basically had no choice but to bring him back 20 years later in a new continuity.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
-
For suite guests, a dedicated VIP team ensures continuity of care—remembering martini preferences, anticipating turn-down service, and personalizing each return to the hotel as if by intuition.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The alpine pastureland is home to herds of goats and cows and small families of shepherds who have worked the land for lifetimes.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Madison Square Garden has issued a statement warning that anyone fighting at the arena could face a lifetime ban after multiple brawls broke out during an event on Friday.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And this year, at least five court hearings aimed at setting a trial date have ended in delays or continuances.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
During two previous court appearances, a judge granted Valle continuances to hire an attorney or file an application for a public defender.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Multiple royal watchers have claimed the prince has struggled to move beyond the fallout of his dramatic exit from royal life six years ago, citing professional setbacks and lingering personal tensions.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Years of reading ensued—books on art history, women in art, and Marina’s life and work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But at this point, the trend’s persistence and the thirst with which its products are consumed suggest a more profound connection between these stories and their audience.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Transferable soft skills such as problem-solving, and persistence, collaboration and empathy, fast become the tools with which to succeed.—
Barnaby Lashbrooke,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duration. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
