Synonyms for

Nighttime

Verb / ˈnaɪˌttaɪm / Another word for nighttime — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The period of darkness in each 24 hours; the time from sunset to sunrise.

Synonyms & similar words

night day dark darkness night evening dusk twilight shadows sundown sunset blackness midnight gloaming eventide nightfall eclipse shade umbra penumbra nighttide

Synonyms by register

Formal

nocturnal period post-meridian hours hours of darkness

Informal

late night after dark when the sun goes down

Literary

eventide gloaming vespertine hours

Antonyms

daytime day morning afternoon noon dusk twilight

Common collocations

  • late nighttime
  • early nighttime
  • middle of the nighttime
  • nighttime activities
  • nighttime economy
  • nighttime noise
  • nighttime sky
  • nighttime hours

Word family

adjective nighttime

Usage note

Nighttime is primarily used as an adjective (e.g., 'nighttime activities'). As a noun, 'night' or 'nighttime' can be used, but 'night' is more common. 'Nighttime' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or descriptive than simply 'night'.

Example sentences

  1. I can see the stars clearly during nighttime.
  2. My parents always tell me to be home before nighttime.
  3. I like to read my favorite stories at nighttime.
  4. The nighttime is a perfect time to go for a walk.
  5. During nighttime, nocturnal animals come out to hunt.

Quotes

  • The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God! ― Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
  • I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. ― Sarah Williams
  • The night is the hardest time to be alive and 4am knows all my secrets. ― Poppy Z. Brite

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