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

Animated by dark humor and cool fury, this début novel takes place largely in Ukraine during the period following Russia’s invasion. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

While many sellers have decided to stop waiting for mortgage rates to come down to sell their properties, many buyers are being kept on the sidelines by high prices and monthly payments, and are leaving those listings sitting idle on the market for increasingly long periods of time. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Act that provided $80 billion to the IRS over 10 years — over a 10-year period. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Unlike many period drama estates, Inveraray is open to the public, allowing visitors to step inside a genuine Scottish stronghold steeped in centuries of clan history. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025