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
Possibly for the duration of the war.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
How long uncertainty will prevail depends on the war’s intensity and duration.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
They were later transferred for the duration of World War II to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona.
—Michael A Messner, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
During the year that Scott Kelly spent in space as part of the NASA Twins Study in 2015-2016, the first study to examine human health using modern techniques during long duration spaceflight, researchers noted increases in markers associated with inflammation.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
How long uncertainty will prevail depends on the war’s intensity and duration.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
They were later transferred for the duration of World War II to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona.
—Michael A Messner, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
During the year that Scott Kelly spent in space as part of the NASA Twins Study in 2015-2016, the first study to examine human health using modern techniques during long duration spaceflight, researchers noted increases in markers associated with inflammation.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duration
Noun
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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
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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
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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
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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
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While Jurado emphasized continuity, Councilmember Tim McOsker focused on how the city’s role may need to change as the region’s funding structure shifts.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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Officials say that general counsel Karen Buffkin will serve in an acting leadership role to ensure continuity of operations while the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education determines next steps in the selection of new leadership.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As wedding season approaches, thoughts of popping the question intensify for those looking to go from just dating to the joyful vows of a lifetime together.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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For Harper, a breakout performance in Game 3 was a lifetime in the making.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Antonio Express-News,
25 Apr. 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
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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
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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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Hernández’s introduction note among the MGI All Stars contestants highlighted her personal story of resilience and persistence.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
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Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell credited the persistence of both his department and the Louisiana State Police for keeping the case alive.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duration. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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