AGE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

age 1 of 2

noun

ˈāj

Definition of age

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

Relevance

as in months

a long or seemingly long period of time it took ages for the clerk to ring up three items

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in twilight

a later period of one's life stoically endures all of the aches and pains that come with age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in maturity

the state of being an old person at 88, she gets frustrated by the feebleness that is inevitable with age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in antiquity

the state of being something old the copper monument has acquired the patina of age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

age

2 of 2

verb

as in to grow

to become mature as your cat ages and becomes less active, you should change her diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Jordan says women should get their A1c checked annually after age 30. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 July 2026 The age-verification battle in the US dates back to 2023, when Louisiana passed an age-verification bill. — Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026

Verb

Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Hydrating, evening out skin tone, and leaving dewiness in its wake, The Mineral Sunscreen is capable of replacing your anti-aging serums and moisturizers — practically unheard of in the industry. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for age

Recent Examples of Synonyms for age

Noun

During the pilots era, Zucker was EP on the likes of CBS’s crime series Numbers and legal drama The Good Wife, and also worked on cable shows including Gettysburg, Killing Lincoln and Klondike.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 July 2026
In fact, some scientists think that life on Earth could've been sparked by asteroids delivering the materials for life via such collisions during an era where our planet was heavily bombarded by such objects around four billion years ago.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of era

Noun

There is a certain ease and flow to the conversation with your forevers.

— Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 17 May 2026
Miami trailed 1-0 fast, in the sixth minute, when the defense left Guilherme Biro unmarked for a downward header off a corner kick, gifting Biro the forever-history of the first goal in the new stadium.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of forever

Noun

The short summer nights (and this week’s first quarter moon) may make faint aurora harder to see, with lingering twilight reducing the contrast required to spot a glow low on the northern horizon.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
In the twilight of their lives, the Harlemite partners in crime are now more self-critical than ever before.

— Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of twilight

Noun

The certification marks another step in CFM’s broader effort to enhance the maturity and operational efficiency of its latest-generation engines.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
In the end, a polished, professional presentation and an easy-to-use digital portal can help build trust with clients and show a level of maturity that can set a business above a crowded market.

— K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of maturity

Noun

The cultural references were distinct, but reflected the broader fascination with antiquity, symbolism and objects that carry historical weight.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Demand for high-value Chinese antiquities is on the rise, archaeologist Gino Caspari of the University of Bern in Switzerland told USA TODAY via email.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Definition of antiquity

Verb

That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of grow

Noun

But its crude imports have fallen dramatically during the course of the war, tumbling below 8 million barrels per day from more than 12 million a day before the war, according to maritime data company Signal Ocean Research.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The following auction climbed further, to just over $329 per megawatt-day for 2026/2027, the market's price cap for a second consecutive year.

— Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of day

Noun

The star power continued at City Hall, where Spike Lee, Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony were among those who went from float ride-a-longs to seats at the ceremony.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026
This year’s 10-day-long edition brought together an international slate of independent films across narrative, documentary, animation, experimental and short-form categories.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 9 June 2026

Definition of long

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“Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/age. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of age

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verb

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Synonyms of age

noun

verb

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on age

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'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

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It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

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Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes