You often need different ways to say “during” in writing or speaking to make your language clearer and more interesting. Using the right synonym can help you express time or events more naturally. Whether you are telling a story, writing an essay, or explaining something, words like amid, throughout, or while can make your sentences flow better. In this article, you’ll find the first 21 best synonyms for “during,” each explained clearly with examples so you can use them confidently.
1. Amid
The word amid is used to describe something happening in the middle of a situation or environment. It shows that one event takes place surrounded by others or during a busy time. For example, you can say, “Amid the noise, she managed to concentrate.” This means she focused even though there was a lot of noise around. It is a strong word to express being in the center of action or feelings. Use “amid” when you want to highlight that something happens while other things are going on at the same time.
2. Amidst
Amidst is very similar to amid and often used interchangeably. It also means “in the middle of” or “during” an event or situation. For instance, “Amidst the chaos, the firefighters stayed calm.” This shows the firefighters worked calmly during a chaotic time. While “amid” is more common in American English, “amidst” is often seen in British English and sounds a bit more formal or poetic. Use “amidst” when you want to describe being part of a busy or confusing situation happening around.
3. Throughout
Throughout means during the whole time of an event or period. It emphasizes that something continues from the start to the end without stopping. For example, “She smiled throughout the entire meeting.” This shows she kept smiling the whole time the meeting lasted. “Throughout” is useful when you want to express continuity or something happening during all parts of a time period. It works well for longer events or processes.
4. In the course of
The phrase in the course of means during a particular period or process. It is often used when something happens as part of a longer event or activity. For example, “In the course of the investigation, new evidence was found.” This means while the investigation was happening, new evidence appeared. This phrase is formal and good for writing or speaking about processes, journeys, or events that take time and develop step by step.
5. At the time of
At the time of is a phrase used to point to a specific moment when something happens. It highlights an exact or important moment in the past or present. For example, “At the time of the accident, the driver was texting.” This shows what the driver was doing exactly when the accident happened. Use this phrase when you want to focus on a particular moment rather than a long period.
6. While
While is one of the most common and simple synonyms for “during.” It shows that two actions or events happen at the same time. For example, “She listened to music while studying.” This means she did both activities simultaneously. “While” is very flexible and works in many situations, both formal and informal. It is great for everyday conversations and writing when you want to show two things happening side by side.
7. When
When is another simple and widely used synonym. It points to the time something happens, often at a specific moment. For example, “When the phone rang, she was cooking.” This means the cooking was happening at the same time as the phone ringing. “When” is perfect for connecting events in storytelling or explanations. It works well in questions, answers, and statements to show timing.
8. Over the course of
The phrase over the course of refers to something happening during a whole period, often a long one. For example, “Over the course of the year, he improved his skills.” This shows progress made from the start to the end of the year. This phrase is formal and commonly used in writing or speaking about growth, change, or events lasting a certain time. It emphasizes the idea of development or movement during the period.
9. In the middle of
In the middle of means at a point between the beginning and end of an event or activity. For example, “She was in the middle of her homework when the power went out.” This means she was working on her homework at that exact time. This phrase helps to show that something was interrupted or taking place at a specific stage in an ongoing process.
10. As
The word as is a short and common synonym used to show two things happening at the same time. For example, “As he walked home, it started to rain.” This means the rain began during his walk. “As” is simple and often used in both formal and informal speech or writing to connect events or actions happening simultaneously. It works well to add flow to sentences.
11. Throughout the duration of
This phrase means for the whole length of time something lasts. For example, “Throughout the duration of the concert, the audience cheered loudly.” This shows the cheering happened during the entire concert. This is a longer and more formal way of saying “during the whole time.” Use this when you want to stress that something continues without stopping through an event.
12. In the process of
In the process of refers to doing or experiencing something at a certain time when it is still ongoing. For example, “She was in the process of making dinner when the guests arrived.” This means she hadn’t finished cooking yet when the guests came. This phrase highlights that an activity is happening and has not been completed, which helps add detail and timing to your sentences.
13. For the duration of
The phrase for the duration of means during the whole period of an event or situation. For example, “For the duration of the flight, passengers must keep their seat belts fastened.” This means passengers have to wear seat belts the entire flight time. It is often used in formal instructions, rules, or descriptions to clearly state how long something lasts or must be done.
14. Alongside
Alongside means at the same time as something else or next to something in space or time. For example, “She worked alongside her mentor during the project.” This means they worked together at the same time. While it can describe physical closeness, it is often used to show cooperation or simultaneous action. It adds a sense of partnership or happening together.
15. Concurrently with
Concurrently with is a formal phrase meaning two or more things happen at the same time. For example, “The meeting was held concurrently with the training session.” This means both events took place simultaneously. This phrase is often used in business, law, or formal writing to clearly show parallel timing of actions or events.
16. In the meantime
In the meantime is a phrase used to describe what happens during a waiting period between two events. For example, “The report will be ready tomorrow. In the meantime, you can review the notes.” This means while waiting for the report, the notes can be reviewed. It’s very useful for suggesting actions or events that fill a gap in time.
17. At the moment of
At the moment of points to a very specific point in time when something occurs. For example, “At the moment of impact, the driver was looking away.” This focuses on the exact time of an important event. Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the precise timing of an action or incident.
18. Under
Under is often used to mean during or subject to certain conditions or situations. For example, “Under the rule of the new law, people must pay taxes.” This means during the time the law is active. It can also show being within limits or control. It’s a versatile word used in formal and legal contexts to indicate timing or conditions.
19. Pending
Pending means something will happen or is waiting to happen during a certain period. For example, “The results are pending approval.” This means approval has not yet happened but is expected. It’s useful in formal writing or situations where something is ongoing or waiting to be finished.
20. In the period of
In the period of means during a certain time frame. For example, “In the period of the war, many changes took place.” This phrase is good for describing events or actions happening in a defined length of time, often historical or formal. It helps set a clear time boundary.
21. Within
Within means inside or during a certain time limit. For example, “You must finish the test within an hour.” This means the test should be completed before the hour ends. It is often used to set deadlines or time frames and is common in everyday and formal speech.
Final Thoughts
Knowing many ways to say “during” can make your writing or speech much clearer and more interesting. Using different synonyms helps you fit your sentence style and the formality of your message. Words like amid, while, or throughout all add unique meanings and feelings about timing. Practice using these 21 synonyms in your writing and speaking to become more confident and natural when talking about time or events.
