Another Word for Time: 23 Synonyms with Examples
Time is one of the most common nouns in English: a moment, a period, an occasion or the way we measure all three. Swap it to be more precise.
As a noun: a period
- period
- while
- spell
- stretch
- span
- term
- duration
As a noun: a point or moment
- moment
- point
- instant
- hour
- juncture
- stage
As a noun: an occasion
- occasion
- instance
- event
- occurrence
- go
As a noun: a historical period
- era
- age
- period
- epoch
- days
- generation
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- period
- A length of time with a beginning and end.
- spell
- A short period, often of weather or an activity; informal.
- moment
- A very short time, or a particular point in time.
- occasion
- A particular time when something happens, often special.
- era
- A long period of history with its own character.
- duration
- How long something lasts; formal.
Example sentences
- period: Prices rose sharply over a short period.
- spell: We had a spell of warm weather in October.
- moment: At that moment, the lights went out.
- occasion: On one occasion, the bus didn't turn up at all.
- era: The smartphone marked the start of a new era.
- duration: Phones must be switched off for the duration of the exam.
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “time”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: clock
noun: clip
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “time”?
The most useful alternatives are “period”, “while”, “spell”, “stretch”, “span”. For the main sense (a period), “period” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “period” and “spell”?
period: A length of time with a beginning and end. spell: A short period, often of weather or an activity; informal.