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 Platinum brooches from that era are rare, but around $2,000 and the price goes up if there are gems, bigger pearls, and a lot of weight. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 In an era when wingers are routinely fielded on the opposite flank to their strongest foot, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd feels like something of a throwback as a right-footed right-winger. Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025 Maximizing viewership, engagement, word-of-mouth and, for lack of a better word, hype means more in an era in which a brand’s image can supersede its substantive output. Maximo Bratter, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 In an era when authenticity has become a marketing buzzword, Rassoul offers something more complex: the understanding that all identity is performed, that authenticity itself might be the most elaborate performance of all. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • The Head-to-Toe Neutral Outfit While summer is all about color, monochrome looks are just what the mood calls for some days.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Indeed, insiders report that the clerical committee tasked with selecting a successor to Khamenei has accelerated its search efforts in recent days.
    Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Prepared Food Photos understands that an image’s uniqueness is its currency in the digital age.
    Jon Stojan, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
  • Eligibility is not based on age, economic condition or inability to drive an automobile.
    Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The move also paves the way for rookie Marcelo Mayer to remain in the majors and assume the bulk of the playing time at second base.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 July 2025
  • This past season, Thrun, a Harvard alum, appeared in 60 games, had 12 points, and averaged 17:31 of ice time.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • Water that collects there will slowly soak back into the landscape over a 24- to 36-hour period.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • For this study, a research team from University College London (UCL) looked at the impacts of two major asteroids from the late Eocene epoch (about 38 million to 33 million years ago).
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2025
  • With the pair at the helm, the goal was to standardize the superhero universe and kick-start a new epoch for the studio.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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