evening
15 synonyms and 1 antonyms for evening, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The part of the day between afternoon and night.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use evening
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ǣfnung, "becoming evening," derived from ǣfen ("eve").
Full origin of evening →Frequently asked questions
What does “evening” mean?
The word “evening” means the part of the day between afternoon and night. In plain terms, the stretch of day between afternoon and nightfall.
How do you pronounce “evening”?
“Evening” is pronounced EEV-nihng (/ˈiv.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “evening” in a sentence?
Here is “evening” used in a sentence: “We usually eat dinner in the evening.”
What is another word for “evening”?
Words with a similar meaning to “evening” include een, eve, even, eventide, eveningtide and eveningtime.
What is the opposite of “evening”?
The opposite of “evening” — its antonyms — is morning.
What part of speech is “evening”?
“Evening” is a noun.
Where does the word “evening” come from?
The word “evening” comes from Old English. From Old English ǣfnung, "becoming evening," derived from ǣfen ("eve").
Is “evening” a common word?
“Evening” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What time does the evening start and end?
There is no fixed clock time, but evening is generally taken to run from about 5 or 6 pm until night sets in around 8 or 9 pm. It loosely begins as the working afternoon ends and stretches toward bedtime hours. The exact boundaries shift with season, daylight, and local habit.
What is the difference between evening and night?
Evening is the transition from afternoon toward darkness, when the day is winding down but activity continues — dinner, socialising, relaxing. Night is the fully dark period that follows, associated with sleep and late hours. Evening feels sociable and still active; night feels quiet and dark. The two blend gradually rather than at a set time.
What is the difference between evening and afternoon?
Afternoon runs from around noon until roughly 5 pm, covering the middle and later part of the working day. Evening follows, from about 5 or 6 pm into the darker hours. The handover is not precise, but afternoon is linked to daylight and work, while evening leans toward the end of the day and relaxation.
Why do we say good evening?
"Good evening" is a polite greeting used from roughly early evening onward, replacing "good afternoon" as the day draws to a close. Unlike "good night," which is a farewell said when parting or heading to bed, "good evening" is a greeting used on meeting someone during the evening hours.