Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

period

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of period

1 an occurrence of menstruating
  • she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home
Synonyms of period

menstruation, monthlies
Words Related to period

menses
2 an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing
  • the Romantic period in music
Synonyms of period

age, day, epoch, era, time
Words Related to period

cycle, generation, year

bit, space, span, spell, stretch, while

date, vintage

Synonym Discussion of period

period, epoch, era, age mean a division of time. period may designate an extent of time of any length.
    • periods of economic prosperity
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
era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.
    • the era of global communications
age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.
    • the age of Samuel Johnson

Learn More about period

  1. See words that rhyme with period Dictionary: Definition of period Medical Dictionary: Definition of period Spanish Central: Translation of period Nglish: Translation of period for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of period for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about period

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up period? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games