AGE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'age' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of age are epoch , era , and period . While all these words mean "a division of time," age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature. // the age of Samuel Johnson

Q: When is it sensible to use 'epoch' instead of 'age'?

The words epoch and age are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When can 'era' be used instead of 'age'?

In some situations, the words era and age are roughly equivalent. However, era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things. // the era of global communications

Q: When might 'period' be a better fit than 'age'?

While the synonyms period and age are close in meaning, period may designate an extent of time of any length. // periods of economic prosperity

age 1 of 2

noun

ˈāj

Definition of age

as in era

an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing the Bronze Age marks the beginning of the use of metal by ancient peoples

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in months

a long or seemingly long period of time it took ages for the clerk to ring up three items

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in twilight

a later period of one's life stoically endures all of the aches and pains that come with age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in maturity

the state of being an old person at 88, she gets frustrated by the feebleness that is inevitable with age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in antiquity

the state of being something old the copper monument has acquired the patina of age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

age

2 of 2

verb

as in to grow

to become mature as your cat ages and becomes less active, you should change her diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun age differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of age are epoch, era, and period. While all these words mean "a division of time," age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

When is it sensible to use epoch instead of age?

The words epoch and age are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 can era be used instead of age?

In some situations, the words era and age are roughly equivalent. However, era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

When might period be a better fit than age?

While the synonyms period and age are close in meaning, period may designate an extent of time of any length.

periods of economic prosperity

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 age

Noun

Knight was wounded but survived the attack, while Shakur was struck multiple times and died six days later at age 25. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026 But the big drop in levels with age is the entire premise behind growth hormone peptides. — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

At this point in the WSL’s existence, eight years since becoming a fully professional league, players now ageing out at the title contenders do so with all the advantages — finances, facilities, health — of only knowing full-time football. — Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The brand said the materials nod to denim’s durability, texture and ability to age. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for age

Recent Examples of Synonyms for age

Noun

The performances made history as the biggest ever open-air concerts in the UK (the crowd numbered 125,000 both days) and are often cited as representing the pinnacle of the Britpop era.

— Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
For more on how the world appears to be entering a higher-rate era, read here.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of era

Noun

There is a certain ease and flow to the conversation with your forevers.

— Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 17 May 2026
Miami trailed 1-0 fast, in the sixth minute, when the defense left Guilherme Biro unmarked for a downward header off a corner kick, gifting Biro the forever-history of the first goal in the new stadium.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of forever

Noun

But there have also been many mid-30s former All-Stars who couldn’t muster anything remotely close to greatness during their twilight tours with the Heat.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026
All of that and more makes for an enticing season ahead, and a lot to wonder about, with the 2026 Chiefs … and their capacity to add more luster to Arrowhead’s legacy in its twilight years.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of twilight

Noun

Over time, however, the construct of critical thinking has expanded to encompass personal development, emotional reflection, and dispositional traits such as inquisitiveness, self-confidence, and maturity.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Her coach at the academy, Daniel Gomez, told me that he was immediately struck by the maturity of her game.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of maturity

Noun

Since antiquity, people have believed that planting a mulberry tree in front of one’s house is unlucky.

— Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Given the then-widespread assumption that the Greek and Roman past was superior to the present in all aspects of life (except perhaps religion), Renaissance scholars and creators strove to imitate classical antiquity.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of antiquity

Verb

As the affiliate industry grows, particularly for fashion brands and beauty brands which increasingly route a growing share of sales through such links, the answer is getting harder to parse.

— Tom Matsuda, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
According to the memo, Google's electric demand is expected to grow faster than Entergy can add new electricity generation.

— Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of grow

Noun

Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
That is just the day before the campaign gets underway, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the season opener on Friday at 7pm BST.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of day

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“Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/age. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of age

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing age

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When Speaking of Age Ranges

Cite this Entry

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