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 About 50 Israelis were killed by Palestinian assailants in the West Bank during the same period, 18 of them members of the security forces, according to U.N. data. —

Isabel Kershner, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 That change has radically impacted all aspects of the post-election period. —

Miles Parks, NPR, 6 Jan. 2025 Overall, about 1,100 defendants have been sentenced, with about 667 receiving periods of incarceration. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. —

Jacquelyn Lobel, Vox, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for period

Recent Examples of Synonyms for period

Noun

Powered by pink clay and charcoal, Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil gently absorbs impurities while soothing with a refreshing menthol tingle that takes wash day to luxurious new heights.

Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
During several days of intense fighting, Japanese forces were decimated, and about 1,000 U.S. Marines and sailors were killed.

Stephen Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025