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

In photos from this period, his thin frame has filled out, his hair is pomaded, and his mustache is of the pencil-thin, Clark Gable variety. —David Kamp, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025

Community fears On a recent afternoon, Solihull’s town center was full of shoppers, bustling past the Tudor-period building that stands proudly at its heart. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025

Gunter, with just over two minutes left in the third period, hauled in an 80-yard TD strike from Renda. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

The 49ers moved up the field in the overtime period and got close enough for Eddy Pineiro to attempt a field goal. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025