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

Reynolds credited Bullock — and how the star handles her career and public persona — with inspiring him to overcome a difficult period in his own life around 2014. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

Set at the same German university over three time periods spanning two centuries, the plot, which is more like a sketchpad of scenes and ideas, follows a trio of characters each conducting botany experiments that test the communicative powers of nature. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025

Researchers conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the women, aged 25–70, including mothers, over a period of 14 months. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

This is my most successful project period. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025