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

Tony Elar, 26, and Carol Jaworski, 64, dressed up in military garb from the French and Indian War period. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

Which makes this a useful moment to revisit the period when the two biggest pop stars in the world briefly tried to operate in the same orbit. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026

These equal-treatment laws were established during a period when charter supporters had more political influence. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell plans to remain on the central bank's governing board for a period of time after his term as chairman ends next month. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026