age 1 of 2

Definition of agenext
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

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
He was exposed to music at an early age through his mother's vinyl record collection. Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026 Officers arrived to find a single-vehicle wreck involving five teenagers ages 16 to 18, all with major injuries. Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
So toss the myth of western military omnipotence onto the mounting pile of ripoff schemes that have aged badly. Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026 But with Biya in power since 1982, Cameroon perhaps represents the most dramatic example of the tension between Africa’s youth and the continent’s many aging leaders. Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for age
Recent Examples of Synonyms for age
Noun
  • His choreography, recreated from his work on the show, delivers big, bold, classic Broadway dance sequences that feel ripped from another era in the best way.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Alliances with independents and provocateurs can bring younger crowds to the traditional news fold in an era when such viewership is not guaranteed.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The car was believed to be traveling northeast toward the Evergreen Parkway exit of Interstate 70 at about twilight on March 14.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The Capitals, despite the disappointment of 2025-26, have successfully bridged Ovechkin’s twilight with their next organizational phase, staying competitive during his record chase and positioning themselves to be relevant in the short- and medium-term, regardless of his decision.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This transit teaches maturity through action.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Bertman’s judgment of me as a 13-year-old was typical of a maturity well beyond of his years and served him well his entire life.
    George Solomon, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Even the most complimentary appraisals of Raphael, which celebrate his multimodal genius—painter, draftsman, architect, poet, surveyor of antiquities—also mention his exquisite social tact and career climbing.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The prosecutor said the antiquities unit traced the books to South Carolina in 2006 but was unaware of their chain of custody until then.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers have spent decades developing potatoes for chip makers that can grow in all kinds of climates, avoid diseases and pests, sit in storage for months and still deliver a satisfying crunch.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Her unwavering support for the band through covers and generous sound bytes is one of the key reasons why Failure was able to grow its audience in absentia.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Let the day unfold instead of forcing it.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • That happened one day during a middle school game.
    Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Those tush-pushes can’t beat you if The Winter Soldier’s facing third-and-forevers.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At a lawn party devoted to the game of cornhole, Clark flirts with Floyd’s wife and the two soon begin an affair, meeting for afternoon assignations at the local Quality Garden Suites.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In a showdown between the top two teams in the Foothill League, Saugus softball came out on top against West Ranch, 9-5, on Thursday afternoon.
    Matt Wagner, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/age. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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