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

But Wall Street’s risk-taking traders are also expected to have done well in the period as geopolitical unrest including the Iran war stoked volatility across asset classes. — Hugh Son,laya Neelakandan,leslie Picker,ritika Shah, CNBC, 14 July 2026

That’s $35 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year, according to the Congressional Budget Office. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

During a three-year period examined by The Star, of 32 police shootings and other major use of force incidents reviewed by the Police Department, none led to policy changes, though seven prompted training recommendations. — Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

At a period when Americans seem to agree on increasingly less, their trust in TIME endures. — Sam Jacobs, Time, 14 July 2026