Thesaurus results for PERIOD

Q: How does the noun 'period' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of period are age , epoch , and era . While all these words mean "a division of time," period may designate an extent of time of any length. // periods of economic prosperity

Q: When is 'age' a more appropriate choice than 'period'?

The synonyms age and period are sometimes interchangeable, but age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature. // the age of Samuel Johnson

Q: When might 'epoch' be a better fit than 'period'?

In some situations, the words epoch and period are roughly equivalent. However, epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events. // the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry

Q: When would 'era' be a good substitute for 'period'?

The words era and period can be used in similar contexts, but era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things. // the era of global communications

period

noun

ˈpir-ē-əd

Definition of period next

as in monthlies

an occurrence of menstruating she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in day

an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing the Romantic period in music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun period differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of period are age, epoch, and era. While all these words mean "a division of time," period may designate an extent of time of any length.

periods of economic prosperity

When is age a more appropriate choice than period?

The synonyms age and period are sometimes interchangeable, but age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

When might epoch be a better fit than period?

In some situations, the words epoch and period are roughly equivalent. However, epoch applies to a period begun or set off by some significant or striking quality, change, or series of events.

the steam engine marked a new epoch in industry

When would era be a good substitute for period?

The words era and period can be used in similar contexts, but era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

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 period However, after having the most to close out the 2024 period, the Dodgers had the least amount of money of any MLB team in the 2025 period. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 What do these specific quilts reveal about the time periods in which they were created? —

Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Detroit scored four goals — including three times on the power play — before Bobrovsky was pulled late in the second period of the Panthers’ 5-2 loss to the Red Wings on Thursday to begin a quick two-game homestand at Amerant Bank Arena. —

Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025 Lev suggests considering whether the piece is unique to a specific time period, for starters. —

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for period

Recent Examples of Synonyms for period

Noun

Now watch a ballerina's entire performance day routine: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place!

— Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 28 Jan. 2025
And in scenes that dizzyingly jump around from day and night, blood is spilled and bullets are sprayed.

— Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025