Synonyms for “Time”
Time has several senses — a period or duration, an occasion, an era, or the verb to schedule. Pick the meaning below.
Quick answer: the most common synonyms for time are period, duration, and spell (a stretch of time); occasion and moment (a point in time); and era or age (a historical period).
1. Time as a period (noun)
A measured stretch — as in "a long time."
Register: duration and interval are formal or technical; spell and stretch are casual.
Example: "A short time" → "a short spell / period."
2. Time as an occasion (noun)
A specific point or moment — as in "at that time."
Register: juncture is formal; moment is everyday.
Example: "At the time" → "at that moment / point."
3. Time as an era (noun)
A historical age — as in "in Roman times."
Register: epoch is formal and grand; day is idiomatic ("in my day").
Example: "In Victorian times" → "in the Victorian era / age."
4. Time as a verb — to schedule (verb)
To set a moment for something — as in "time the launch."
Register: all are neutral; schedule is the most common.
Example: "Time it well" → "schedule / arrange it well."
Another word for a "period of time"
For a stretch of time, use period, span, stretch, spell, interval, or era.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for "time"?
It depends on the meaning. For a stretch, use period or spell. For a moment, use occasion or point. For a historical age, use era or age.
What is another word for a "period of time"?
Use period, span, stretch, interval, or spell.
Is there an opposite of "time"?
Not really — "time" has no true antonym. In physics it is sometimes paired with "space", but they are not opposites.