Thesaurus results for ERA

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

era

noun

ˈer-ə

Definition of era next

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 In a different era, advertisers might have moved on to a new set of celebrities to help win notice. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 May 2026 The top target of complaints was Hillside Villa Apartments, a 124-unit complex in Chinatown where residents alleged 300% rent hikes after pandemic-era rent protections expired. —

Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Emeril Lagasse became a household name in a pre-social-media era, when television could still mint culinary celebrities at national scale. —

Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 At least the pedals aren’t awkwardly offset, unlike many Italian exotics of this era. —

Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for era

Recent Examples of Synonyms for era

Noun

The airy silhouette will keep you comfortable on long sightseeing days, while the simple square neckline and longer cap sleeves add a polished touch that pairs well with tailored shorts, skirts, or linen pants.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
And yet every day writers call me from conference rooms at their day jobs, or cramped kitchens with their children, or cars sitting in their driveways—sometimes the only place quiet enough to think.

— David O’Neill, New Yorker, 20 May 2026