age 1 of 2

1
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

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age

2 of 2

verb

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
At an age when boys start liking girls and girls start liking boys, nobody showed the slightest bit of interest in Tupac. Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 How does his latest book hold up in an age of eroding reality? Astead W. Herndon Astead W. Herndon Emily Bazelon Parul Sehgal Andrew Ross Sorkin Kwame Anthony Appiah Lisa Donovan Julian Brave Noisecat John Hodgman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Power demands from data centers strain aging infrastructure, compelling utilities to spend billions of dollars on upgrades. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 Allow the patient to take ownership of their own disease and aging process. Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for age
Recent Examples of Synonyms for age
Noun
  • Once seen as one of the Bay Area’s last affordable cities, San Leandro now faces one of the highest rates of eviction notices per capita as officials grapple with the end of pandemic-era renter protections.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • European sailors of that era were fascinated by the rich trading cities of Asia, which had been known from Marco Polo’s travels.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the black-and-white shot Earth is hanging in the pearly glow of the Martian twilight, the hilly horizon silhouetted at the bottom.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But many attendees simply want to capture the fruits of Yamamoto’s twilight years before his eventual retirement, which is sure to leave a gaping void in fashion.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Most zucchini are harvested before reaching full maturity – usually at between 6 and 10 inches long – so their skins remain tender and their seeds small.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Playing with composure and maturity that astounded his most veteran teammates, Anthony cemented himself as Boston’s leadoff man and put their AL East rivals on notice.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The former Egyptian tourism and antiquities minister won a landslide victory against his rival Firmin Edouard Matoko, a veteran diplomat and economist from Congo Brazzaville.
    Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Athenians have been legume lovers since antiquity, and beans and pulses remain a fixture on meze menus the city over as a healthier, more affordable alternative to meat.
    Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Winding roads eventually lead to Hotel Corazón, a former finca — a country estate — growing produce on its cantilevered farmland that has been transformed by two expat artists into a boho chic retreat.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • While Cab Franc’s aromas and flavors vary depending on where it is grown, winemakers and wine lovers alike are captivated by its combination of fruity and savory characteristics.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Islamabad — Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared in recent days with the exchange of deadly gunfire between the neighbors that has stoked fears of a wider conflict.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Her 107-day run was the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One way to mess with an option team’s Plan A is to not only stick them with third-and-forevers, but to put them in an early hole, making them throw out of desperation.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2019
  • Printed with thermochromic ink, the stamp reveals a second image of the moon when a finger is pressed to it, and a sheet of 16 Forever stamps features a map of the eclipse path.
    Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2017
Noun
  • Continue down the road toward Valldemossa, stopping in the town for a late-afternoon treat named coca de patata, a soft bun made with potato flour, from Ca’n Molinas.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • In the afternoon, the air from the windows is so soft and gentle.
    Joële Walinga, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/age. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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