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

Examples 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 There may be periods in which the dividend payment exceeds free cash flow. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024 During the same seven-day period Walmart and Amazon's shares have risen between 3% and 7%, while Target's and PDD's have stayed flat. —

Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024 This week’s White House Report Card finds the nation entering an awkward period where the sitting president is becoming irrelevant, and the incoming president is prematurely taking charge. Take Saturday’s celebration of the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as an example. —

Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024 The deal is valid from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2031, encompassing India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the period. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for period

Recent Examples of Synonyms for period

Noun

Some companies, like those in Japan, offer incentives like extra vacation days to encourage healthy habits.

Basel Ramlawi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Bessette-Kennedy’s gown also inspired one of Meghan Markle’s wedding day looks: specifically her halter neck Stella McCartney reception dress.

Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024