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 The more remarkable detail is that the low-budget film has now strung together four consecutive weekends larger than its already-impressive $17 million debut, a trajectory almost unheard of in the modern theatrical era. Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 June 2026 While stepping out for a photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, Spain, Zendaya embraced a flapper-era trend with her strapless black Christian Cowan gown, which is from the fashion house’s fall/winter 2026 collection. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 June 2026 Zaria wins singles gold in NXT A new era began at NXT. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026 The 7,500-square-foot space includes a 65-seat dining room and a cocktail lounge called Regiment One55, inspired by British colonial-era social clubs. Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • And there were some very bad days.
    Siafa Lewis, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • The pyrotechnics, however, come from Amanda and Danielle, who get in one of those stupid fights that are only possible after a full day of drinking in a retro vehicle.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • In an age of heightened peer pressures, such as teen takeovers, leaders tell CBS News Detroit that good old-fashioned fun is the way to bring all ages together.
    Julia Avant, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • The typical household in the 65-74 age range has about $200,000 in retirement accounts, according to the 2022 federal Survey of Consumer Finances.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating, and global competition is intensifying.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • This is far from the first time that Crow has spoken out against the administration.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • While Burnham plots his next move, the UK government now enters a new period of uncertainty, potentially facing a sixth prime minister in seven years.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • In North and South America, there have been more than 20,000 measles cases so far this year — quadruple the number from the same period in 2025.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • General Motors Anderson sees design and human ingenuity falling into three main epochs, beginning with thousands of years of empirical design that saw creators largely mimicking nature, building and testing models, and advancing from there—slowly, expensively, and narrowly focused.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026
  • Other lines of circumstantial evidence also suggest shockingly large objects roamed the early epochs of our solar system.
    Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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