Synonyms of era

era

noun

ˈer-ə 

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

• day
• age
• time
• period
• epoch
• year
• generation
• cycle
• span
• date
• space
• while
• vintage
• spell
• bit
• stretch

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

Recent Examples of era

The strong feeling of an era coming to an end, or that these are the last days of something, or that the last days have already been. —Sara Stridsberg september 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

The former editor and co-founder of Irish Illustrated, Pete has covered six different regimes in South Bend, reporting on the Fighting Irish from the end of the Bob Davie years through the Marcus Freeman era. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

The series of horror films has gone to great lengths to nail the eras of when their central incidents occurred, and to portray real people with care and accuracy in fine performances, particularly from lead actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, respectively. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025

Is this serious commitment to the harlequin colors a hint at something else, like a Rare Beauty drop or a new musical era? —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025