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 In an era that often celebrates disruption, Europe’s corporate landscape still tends to reward experience and operational excellence. Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 June 2026 Kim has overseen an economy that has recovered from the depths of pandemic-era isolation and crippling international sanctions, buoyed by a rebound in tourism that comes mostly from China and Russia. Stella Kim, NBC news, 8 June 2026 Currently, the space agency relies on a similar design to the space suits worn during the Apollo era. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 8 June 2026 Who could forget the early-aughts era of Victoria Beckham and her fellow WAGs arriving at matches in tiny shorts and oversized sunglasses? Christina Holevas, Vogue, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • The new strategy comes a day after 21 people were arrested at a watch party that became violent and destructive, according to a law enforcement official.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
  • Chelsea’s 2005 summer signing of Ghana midfielder Michael Essien catapulted them into the national consciousness to the point where his manager there at the time, Jose Mourinho, is still a popular figure across Ghana to this day.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • While the Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 89% of Democrats believe Trump has become erratic with age, only 30% of Republicans say the same.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • His introduction came at age 10, when RAGBRAI, which is an acronym for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, passed through his hometown of Oelwein (a town with a population of fewer than 6,000), filling yards with tents and strangers.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • The baseball pitch simulator that his young ones tried Monday afternoon came at the right time for them.
    Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • But the three-time NFL defensive player of the year and future Hall of Famer remains a hot topic, and Rams players are aware of the buzz.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Karlsson skated to the tunnel midway through the second period and didn’t return.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Data from Denver Animal Protection shows officers responded to 1,439 animal cruelty calls and 2,713 neglect calls through the first part of 2025, both up from the same period in 2024.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • This means black holes go out with a bang, with lower-mass PBHs exploding at different epochs of the universe.
    Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
  • Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski’s experimental period drama tracing the lives of four young women from four different epochs in rural East Germany, swept the German Film Awards, the Lolas, winning 10 Lolas including best film and best director for Schilinski.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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