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 The findings come as space agencies and private companies prepare for a new era of lunar exploration, including long-term missions aimed at establishing a sustained human presence on the moon. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Silverstone, England — A new era of Formula One is about to dawn. Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026 According to Opta, Estevao now has the joint-most goals (six) of any player while aged 18 or under for the club in the Premier League era, along with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marc Guiu. Tom Burrows, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026 His loyalty to the program was a rarity during the NIL era. Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • The college reported a count of 8,364 students enrolled for academic credit on the 11th day of classes during the 2025 spring semester.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Rooney went on record a few days earlier to say the door is open for a return.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Family-friendly conveniences include complimentary outdoor activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and tennis and the Cee Bee Kids Camp for kids ages three to 10, open five days a week.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The couple had about $500,000 saved by age 40, and have since pumped their net worth up to over $1 million.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The route at the time of the collision allowed the Black Hawk to fly as close as 75 feet below planes descending to land on runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the NTSB.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While Russian state media said that the ceasefire went into effect, Ukraine’s military said attacks continued throughout the period.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • March quarter revenue is expected to increase 13% to 16% versus the year-ago period, a stronger forecast relative to estimates of about 10%.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His body was laid in state not far from the Spanish Steps — thousands queued over the two days to bid their farewells to the designer, the first, and in many ways the only, Italian to break into French haute couture back in Fifties, a postwar epoch when things like that were thought impossible.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Anna Margolin, a consummate modernist whose poems slide fluidly between genders, epochs, and literary traditions, has fared better than most.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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