Definition of eranext
as in day
an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing the introduction of the mass production of cars on an assembly line ushered in the era of the automobile

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun era differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of era are age, epoch, and period. While all these words mean "a division of time," era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

When might age be a better fit than era?

While in some cases nearly identical to era, age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

Where would epoch be a reasonable alternative to era?

While the synonyms epoch and era are close in meaning, 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 would period be a good substitute for era?

In some situations, the words period and era are roughly equivalent. However, 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 era And its collection of unmentionables—from the simple chemises of the Civil War era to the neon nylon stockings of the go-go years—is definitely worth talking about. April White, JSTOR Daily, 2 Sep. 2026 Brace yourselves — another New England Patriots conspiracy theory from the Bill Belichick era has hit the internet. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The rate of extra payments peaked in 2021 and 2022, an era of historically low rates, and has gradually declined in the years since. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty Tourbillon The Laureato is a typical midcentury sports watch from the same golden era as the Patek Philippe Nautilus and IWC Ingenieur. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
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
Noun
  • Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images Two former Golden State Warriors employees have sued the NBA franchise, alleging gender, age and race-based discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation tied to their terminations.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, a recent survey of more than 2,000 women ages 40-64 conducted by Bonafide Health found that problems snoozing was one of the most unsettling symptoms of perimenopause — ranking ahead of hot flashes.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Trout has spent his entire 16-year career with the Angels, a period that has coincided with one of the worst stretches in franchise history.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid jumping or diving in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Yet, in contending with the invading species, Denise is fashioned into a female action hero more in keeping with the epoch of director Quentin Tarantino than with that of President Ronald Reagan.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The shape of a certain kind of scandal is remarkably similar, epoch to epoch.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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