period

noun

ˈpir-ē-əd How to pronounce period (audio)
Definition of periodnext
1
as in monthlies
an occurrence of menstruating she hoped her period wouldn't start until she got home

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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 In Game 6 of the 2008 Western Conference Finals against Detroit, the Red Wings scored three first period goals en route to a 4-1 win at the American Airlines Center. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025 In addition, she is slated to appear in Julia Jackman’s period drama 100 Nights of Hero, as well as Pete Ohs and Jeremy O. Harris’ Erupcja and director Daniel Goldhaber’s horror remake of the legendary shock cult film Faces of Death. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 May 2025 That year tied for the fourth coolest for that period. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 The center got the rebound past Woll to give the Panthers an insurance goal 7:18 into the second period. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for period
Recent Examples of Synonyms for period
  1. day
  2. menstruation
  3. era
  4. time
  5. age
  6. epoch
Noun
  • Looking ahead in the final days South Korea’s election law bans the release of public poll results during the six days leading up to an election.
    — Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • The court also ordered the Trump administration to remove the tariffs within 10 days, including a 25% tariff on certain goods from Canada and Mexico.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Definition of day
Noun
  • Deloitte’s research reveals that more than 40% of women who experience high levels of pain during menstruation simply work through it.
    — Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Because many people with PCOS experience heavy bleeding during menstruation, low iron levels are common (iron deficiency anemia).
    — Peter Weiss, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025
Definition of menstruation
Noun
  • Ultimately, the countries that win the new industrial era won’t be the ones with the loudest rhetoric.
    — Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Mike Noyes of Granby, a high-IQ walk-on who eventually earned a scholarship during the Kevin Ollie era, is an assistant coach/director of player development.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Definition of era
Noun
  • Reubens found much of his early inspiration in drag During his time at the California Institute of the Arts, Reubens began exploring alternative forms of creativity.
    — Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • This stunning piece of metalwork, likely worn by someone of high status, reflects the religious identity of the time.
    — Real-Time news team, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • In total, one eight-year old and five children between the ages of 11 and 17 were sickened after visiting the cave.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Screening at age 45 is an improvement from the previous recommendation of 50.
    — Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of age
Noun
  • Its name refers to where the specimens were discovered: the Messel Pit in Germany, a rich fossil site dating to the Eocene epoch (57 million to 36 million years ago).
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
  • The extinct species was discovered in a geological layer of the cave dating back to the Late Pleistocene epoch, Zelenkov said.
    — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
Definition of epoch

Browse Nearby Words

perimeters
period
periodic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Period.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/period. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on period

Nglish: Translation of period for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about period

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