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

Throughout the training period, researchers monitored weekly survey responses alongside wearable-device metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality and recovery readiness. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

The two-film idea came from a lunch with Jérôme Seydoux and immediately won me over — two films felt like the right measure for the 1940–44 period. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026

The records also show that Cuban nationals accounted for the highest numbers of immigration encounters, representing 28 of the 48 individuals encountered by Miami Springs police in the six-month period. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

There's also a possibility of isolated periods of G4 (severe) geomagnetic storming, depending on the CMEs' direction. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 4 June 2026