Definition of eranext
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 Kraus explains that was an era where practicing medicine involved leeches; germs hadn't been discovered and antibiotics hadn't been invented. — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026 These priorities were reminiscent of her rise to fame during the COVID-era parental rights movement. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026 The Biden-era FCC remained deadlocked at 2-2 until Gomez was confirmed by the Senate in September 2023. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 2026 But if SpaceX has its way, the Falcon 9 era will soon come to an end. — Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • Others charged registered to vote and cast their ballots the same day despite not being eligible, the DOJ alleged.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Van Daalen said the business started with just three owners and two employees, with the owners working from open until close each day.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For families Guests of all ages are welcome at The Shinmonzen, with a raft of amenities available for both children and babies, from baby cots, sterilizers, and strollers to kids’ seasonal welcome kits, pajamas, menus, games, books, and toys.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Foxx is already a seasoned father with two adult daughters, ages 32 and 18.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In a July 2009 interview with the American Film Institute, Jones discussed how director George Lucas hired him despite his lifelong stutter, which had improved over time.
    — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The ballot measure, which would impose a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires to help fund healthcare, is failing by more than 8 percentage points.
    — Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • People heading into the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period with plans to sign up for insurance should expect a variety of changes in 2027, including higher premiums and fewer coverage options.
    — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Willis, meanwhile, was lights out in the period, completing 77% of his passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Low regard for sensitivity is all the more costly in an epoch of political polarization, deteriorating social bonds, and rampant screen addiction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • He’s always been obsessed with historic epochs like the Civil War and World War II and fascinated with the post-war boom and the sojourns of Route 66.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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