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 next

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 But as they were warned, film or TV footage of Zep during that period was hardly plentiful. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025 The speeches were not a normal filibuster delay tactic, where a lawmaker speaks for an extended period to prevent or postpone legislative action. —

Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 The board voted 10-8 against extending the public comment period by another half hour. —

Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Trade was a drag on growth in the period, with imports, which subtract from the GDP calculation, off 0.8%. —

Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for period

Recent Examples of Synonyms for period

Noun

Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Tuesday.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2025
Perhaps the irony over the next 10 days will prove to be that Carlo Ancelotti’s pressure-proof stars cannot get the job done over this far more vulnerable foe.

— Sam Lee, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025