Thesaurus results for PERIOD

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

period

noun

ˈpir-ē-əd

Definition of period

as in monthlies

an occurrence of menstruating she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 This is one of the safest periods in history to be a child from a violent crime perspective. — Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 That integration means studios already working in Unreal Engine pipelines can begin using the technology without a transition period. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 The Coppola family continues to visit every year for extended periods of time—daughter Sofia has her own house on the property next to her father’s villa—and Turtle Inn still carries the personability of a family home. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 As of Tuesday's close, Dell shares had gained 236% year to date, while the wider S&P 500 index is up 11% over the same period. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for period

Recent Examples of Synonyms for period

Noun

Unlike the inner lining of the uterus, endometriosis tissue doesn’t leave the body during menstruation, and cysts and adhesions can sometimes develop.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Always Discreet shares a name with P&G’s menstruation product,s but remains one of the younger brands in the company’s portfolio.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of menstruation

Noun

Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
That is just the day before the campaign gets underway, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the season opener on Friday at 7pm BST.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of day

Noun

The performances made history as the biggest ever open-air concerts in the UK (the crowd numbered 125,000 both days) and are often cited as representing the pinnacle of the Britpop era.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
For more on how the world appears to be entering a higher-rate era, read here.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of era

Noun

Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images Two former Golden State Warriors employees have sued the NBA franchise, alleging gender, age and race-based discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation tied to their terminations.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
In fact, a recent survey of more than 2,000 women ages 40-64 conducted by Bonafide Health found that problems snoozing was one of the most unsettling symptoms of perimenopause — ranking ahead of hot flashes.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of age

Noun

Yet, in contending with the invading species, Denise is fashioned into a female action hero more in keeping with the epoch of director Quentin Tarantino than with that of President Ronald Reagan.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
The shape of a certain kind of scandal is remarkably similar, epoch to epoch.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of epoch

Browse Nearby Words

perimeters

period

periodic

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“Period.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/period. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of period

noun

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