1
as in times
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 continuations
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 durations
Engineering comfort for long durations Beneath the seat, a smart weight-sensing chassis uses mechanical conduction to respond automatically to the sitter’s body weight and movement.
—
New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
Hours of uniform length were widely adopted only in the 14th century, when clocks could maintain equal durations.
—Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Follow-up durations averaged around one year, meaning that longer-term outcomes remain uncertain.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Dec. 2025
For ready cash, Desai wouldn’t look at durations beyond a year.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
Travelers and residents should stay informed about forecast changes, particularly as storm tracks and cold wave durations remain uncertain.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Yet some students choose these pricier paths due to shorter program durations and flexible scheduling that better accommodate work and family responsibilities, McConville said.
—Cathie Anderson
updated December 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Near the speed of light, durations of time dilate and lengths appear to contract along the direction of motion in a velocity-dependent way, with each unique observer seeing different values.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
If trying a cold plunge, always start gradually and prioritize shorter durations and warmer temperatures first.
—T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
Hours of uniform length were widely adopted only in the 14th century, when clocks could maintain equal durations.
—Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
Follow-up durations averaged around one year, meaning that longer-term outcomes remain uncertain.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Dec. 2025
For ready cash, Desai wouldn’t look at durations beyond a year.
—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
Travelers and residents should stay informed about forecast changes, particularly as storm tracks and cold wave durations remain uncertain.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Yet some students choose these pricier paths due to shorter program durations and flexible scheduling that better accommodate work and family responsibilities, McConville said.
—Cathie Anderson
updated December 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Near the speed of light, durations of time dilate and lengths appear to contract along the direction of motion in a velocity-dependent way, with each unique observer seeing different values.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
If trying a cold plunge, always start gradually and prioritize shorter durations and warmer temperatures first.
—T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for durations
Noun
-
Somehow that was even fewer than Newsom’s public calls for corrections; the governor’s Twitter account tweeted at the Post seeking corrections five times.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Korda won seven times in 2024 and was shut out in 2025.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stranger Things’ transformation—from a charming homage to ’80s blockbusters to a sprawling transmedia franchise—was ribbed later in last night’s episode, in a commercial parody imagining a string of continuations.—
Erik Adams,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 2026
-
The Department intends to stop funding both 2025 new awards and non-competing continuations for these seven grant programs.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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
-
Kohberger is now spending four lifetimes in prison and has yet to speak publicly about his crimes.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The ever-present discontent of voters Even as the pendulum has swung back and forth in recent Chilean presidential elections, there are deeper continuities across the different Chilean governments in the 21st century.—
Andra B. Chastain,
The Conversation,
15 Dec. 2025
-
And yet the odd effect of Larsen and Letteney’s study is to make the continuities more vivid to us than the breaks.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
However, digital save-the-dates are gaining traction for their speed, cost efficiency, and eco-friendly appeal.—
K.H. Koehler,
jsonline.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
First dates, blind dates, relationship coaching, speed dating, finding love, and breaking hearts — all of these common human experiences help to normalize an often misunderstood community.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Feb. 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
Cite this Entry
“Durations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/durations. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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