1
as in monthlies
an occurrence of menstruating she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in day
an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing the Romantic period in music

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of period Large pests, such as tomato hornworms, slugs, and snails, do a lot of damage to plants in a short period. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025 The earliest work in the show dates back to 1996, when Jones could work on larger, more monumental pieces and stand for longer periods of time. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 July 2025 Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025 Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for period
Recent Examples of Synonyms for period
Noun
  • The Head-to-Toe Neutral Outfit While summer is all about color, monochrome looks are just what the mood calls for some days.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Indeed, insiders report that the clerical committee tasked with selecting a successor to Khamenei has accelerated its search efforts in recent days.
    Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • American kids also experienced an increase in early onset of menstruation, trouble sleeping, limitations in activity, physical symptoms, depressive symptoms and loneliness during the study period.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • Rather, menopause means the end of menstruation and fertility.
    Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Swiatek is now the eighth different winner in the last eight years, following on from the Serena Williams era.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • And, heading into the DOGE era, New Mexico was home to more than 22,000 federal employees in a workforce of less than 900,000.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Osbourne performed multiple times in Kentucky throughout his career, including stops at Rupp Arena, Cardinal Stadium and Freedom Hall.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
  • This time, without the cachet (and baggage) of a 147-year-old news institution behind him.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died July 22, 2025, at age 76, was a frequent visitor to Milwaukee during his touring days, with the groundbreaking heavy metal band Black Sabbath and on his own as a solo act.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • Magnesium needs vary depending on age, gender, and pregnancy status.1 Adult men: 400-420 milligrams (mg) daily Adult women: 310-400 mg daily Magnesium: 154 mg per ounce, or 37% of the Daily Value (DV) Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • With the pair at the helm, the goal was to standardize the superhero universe and kick-start a new epoch for the studio.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • For this study, a research team from University College London (UCL) looked at the impacts of two major asteroids from the late Eocene epoch (about 38 million to 33 million years ago).
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Period.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/period. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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