Synonyms of period

period

noun

ˈpir-ē-əd 

1

as in monthlies

an occurrence of menstruating

she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• monthlies
• menstruation
• menses

2

as in day

an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing

the Romantic period in music

Synonyms & Similar Words

• day
• era
• time
• age
• epoch
• year
• cycle
• generation
• span
• date
• while
• space
• spell
• bit
• stretch
• vintage

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

Recent Examples of period

Two people who called in to support Meiner during a public comment period were the mayors of Hialeah and Miami, Steve Bovo and Francis Suarez. —Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025

The Blackhawks failed to cover the slot again early in the second period and Seattle tied the game at 2-2. —Scott Powers, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025

The Fed dialed down interest rates in late 2024 because inflation was coming under control after a period of rising prices. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025

He’s also been New York’s savior during a turbulent period since Jan. 1, pulling out late-game heroics several times over the last few weeks to help the Knicks stay slotted in the No. 3 spot in the East. —James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025