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 Eagles’ 110 penalty yards were the most in the Sirianni era. Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Therefore, the organizations that will thrive in this era will be those that reinforce the complementary nature of human expertise and technology, investing equally in both. M. Todd Abner, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The Chicago Bears' Ben Johnson era may get off to a rocky start. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Another big boom came in the 1990s, however, with the PC and Mac gaming era growing fast alongside a new set of consoles. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • The two countries last month agreed to extend the trade truce by another 90 days, to mid-November.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Tesla had been at the impound lot for two days after being found abandoned on a Hollywood street, investigators said.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These are all features developed by the building’s original creators, the Miami firm of Steward-Skinner and Associates, prominent architects of the time also responsible for the design of the Miami Seaquarium and MIA’s first jet-age terminal.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ken Dryden, the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender who backstopped the Montreal Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty, died on Friday at age 78 from cancer, the Canadiens announced.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At this time, there is no information available on the containment of the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This 12-pack of landscape lights is a limited-time deal, so don’t miss the opportunity to stake them in beside your pool, sidewalk, outdoor stairs, or garden for this low price.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Having entered the final period maintaining the 17-3 lead, the game concluded with the Tar Heels securing a 20-3 victory.
    Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Someone else who walks over 28,000 steps a day and stands on their feet for long periods of time attested to the shoe’s durability.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The gardens form a timeline guiding visitors through botanical epochs, from the Devonian and Carboniferous to the Jurassic, Cretaceous, Cenozoic and later paleobotanical eras.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Everything about this epoch is superlative, bizarre, unprecedented.
    Peter Brannen August 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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