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
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 durations
Yields fell across durations on Wednesday morning as nerves calmed, but narrowed on reports Starmer’s leadership rival Wes Streeting is preparing to resign as health secretary.
—
Elsa Ohlen,joseph Wilkins,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 May 2026
That data consisted of random phone numbers and matches with names, call times and call durations.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Here, the eclipse occurs high in the sky, with durations exceeding 4 minutes near the Strait of Gibraltar.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
Begin with shorter durations and gradually increase your time in the water.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
In that year, the study identified two possible profiles for a round trip to the red planet, with total durations of about 153 and 226 days.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 May 2026
This allows athletes to sustain higher intensities for longer durations.
—New Atlas, 5 May 2026
While there is little conclusive, specific data on the relationship between mortality and long-term medication treatment, studies show that, in general, longer treatment durations yield better outcomes.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
These particles were then fed into the trap and held for durations ranging from milliseconds to several seconds before being released and detected.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
Elsa Ohlen,joseph Wilkins,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 13 May 2026
That data consisted of random phone numbers and matches with names, call times and call durations.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Here, the eclipse occurs high in the sky, with durations exceeding 4 minutes near the Strait of Gibraltar.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
Begin with shorter durations and gradually increase your time in the water.
—Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
In that year, the study identified two possible profiles for a round trip to the red planet, with total durations of about 153 and 226 days.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 May 2026
This allows athletes to sustain higher intensities for longer durations.
—New Atlas, 5 May 2026
While there is little conclusive, specific data on the relationship between mortality and long-term medication treatment, studies show that, in general, longer treatment durations yield better outcomes.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
These particles were then fed into the trap and held for durations ranging from milliseconds to several seconds before being released and detected.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for durations
Noun
-
At times, officials in the Mayor’s office viewed Jeffries as an ally.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Some come out the other side of illness, but most loop through an unpredictable whirlpool, at times within sight of shore, at other moments spinning back out to sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 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
-
Many of the actions are continuations of boycotts that started earlier this year.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
28 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The soil samples confirmed that these individuals had been treated with mercury during their lifetimes, rather than absorbing it from the soil.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
-
For years, experts warned that Covid-19 would not be the last major infectious disease crisis of our lifetimes.—
Krutika Kuppalli,
STAT,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The museum has deconstructed the traditional, boxy narrative of art history and rendered the story itself a matter of curves and continuities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The librarians must abide by those embargo dates and keep the books out of circulation until then.—
Adeel Hassan,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The former Beatle worked on it with producer Andrew Watt in between touring dates for his acclaimed Got Back tour.—
William Vaillancourt,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
After a not guilty plea and two years of continuances, his state trial was scheduled to begin on January 26 but has been delayed again, according to court records.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
14 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Durations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/durations. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
