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

College basketball players were bribed to throw games and enrich sports gamblers during a recent period from September 2022 to February of last year. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Jan. 2026

During the public comment period, Crisoforo Gomez, organizer with the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council, explained that concern. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

Amazon deals happen year-round, but there are certain periods the online shop drops hush-hush sales on home goods — and right now is one of them. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026

After Minnesota got the first 10 shots of the period without scoring, the Jets recorded 10 of the next 11 shots, and scored on three of them. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2026