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

Then there was a period of time where no one wanted to work with him anymore, the Austrian casting directors, because of his reputation. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

The combination of high specific energy, low self-discharge and high power output could be valuable in situations where batteries must remain ready for long periods but suddenly deliver substantial power. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Instead, calls to the county’s Department of Mental Health help line, which dispatches the mobile response teams, increased by 31% during that same time period. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Aug. 2026

However, the trade-off is that a cut made at the beginning of a three-year cycle would have needed to be only a third as large as a cut made toward the end of the same period. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026