as in duration
the period during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress
I saw no need to pay more for a better-built computer that would just grow obsolete before the end of its life span
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 life span
Big dogs like Great Danes and cane corso have the smallest lifespan, with an average of eight to 10 years.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Considering the average lifespan of a tiger in the wild is just 14–16 years, that’s impressive progress.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
Squirrel monkeys have a lifespan of about 20 years in captivity, making Oliver and Oakley a lengthy commitment for Bennett.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Any leaves that are submerged or get wet are a welcome place for bacteria to grow, which can end up shortening the lifespan of your roses.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
That 2019 study found chronically depriving mice of sufficient hydration shortened their lifespan by about six months – the equivalent of 15 years of human life.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have shorter lifespans, new research has found.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Even though advances in medicine and technology continue to extend lifespans, these factors, plus broader public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, have underscored our ability to live longer.
—Julia Craven, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
The intrigue: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members insist there has only been one Phil since the tradition began nearly 140 years ago — at least 15 times the typical lifespan of a groundhog raised in captivity.
—Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Considering the average lifespan of a tiger in the wild is just 14–16 years, that’s impressive progress.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
Squirrel monkeys have a lifespan of about 20 years in captivity, making Oliver and Oakley a lengthy commitment for Bennett.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Any leaves that are submerged or get wet are a welcome place for bacteria to grow, which can end up shortening the lifespan of your roses.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
That 2019 study found chronically depriving mice of sufficient hydration shortened their lifespan by about six months – the equivalent of 15 years of human life.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have shorter lifespans, new research has found.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Even though advances in medicine and technology continue to extend lifespans, these factors, plus broader public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, have underscored our ability to live longer.
—Julia Craven, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
The intrigue: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members insist there has only been one Phil since the tradition began nearly 140 years ago — at least 15 times the typical lifespan of a groundhog raised in captivity.
—Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for life span
Noun
-
Adaptability: Bonus damage increased from 15% to 25% Effect duration increased from 5 to 10 seconds Tactical Ambush: Bonus damage increased from 100% to 150%.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Sun rash symptoms typically appear within a couple of hours to a few days after sun exposure, depending on factors like skin sensitivity and the duration/intensity of UV exposure.—
Christopher Bergland,
Verywell Health,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
During a panel at '90s Con in Florida in September, Melrose Place stars Locklear, Josie Bissett, Brooke Langton, Laura Leighton, Grant Show and Daphne Zuniga reunited and shared an update on where the revival series stood at the time.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Coca-Cola entered the right category at the right time, Citi analyst Filippo Falorni told CNN.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
After enduring his mother’s lies, Kanan assumed control of his life and took matters into his own hands by orchestrating the plan that ended in the deaths of Ronnie and Detective Howard.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Set to take place at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, the service will honor the life and legacy of the influential Hip-Hop impresario.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This extended lifetime could have important implications for planet formation, at least around low-mass stars.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2025
-
His particular concern was that the presidency not be viewed as a lifetime appointment.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to life span
Thesaurus Entries Near life span
Cite this Entry
“Life span.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/life%20span. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share