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

History also teaches us that periods of technological enthusiasm are often followed by tighter disclosure standards. —Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Peacock, the streaming service of Comcast’s entertainment unit NBCUniversal, posted a first-quarter loss of $432 million, compared with a loss of $215 million in the year-ago period and a fourth-quarter loss of $552 million. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

The Wild gave their late-night crowd a reason to roar in the final two minutes of the opening period. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026

Charlotte dominated the first period, outshooting Springfield 15-2 in the opening frame while building a 4-0 advantage, chasing starting keeper Vadim Zherenko. —Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026