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 An estate sale purchase in Austin, Texas, became a potential public safety hazard this week, when one patron's box of items was found to contain World War II-era explosives, police said. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Threets’ rise to fame began with pandemic-era posts on social media. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 The only current member of the Big 12 that has won a national title in the modern era is BYU, in 1984. — Mac Engel october 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 Rylee Arnold made her pro debut one year after her elder sister’s exit in 2022 with season 31, ushering in a new era of the show, one boosted by social media. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • Trump’s announcement during his second trip to Ohio in two weeks was prompted by an August presidential memorandum directing administration officials to identify a suitable location for the component repair center within 90 days.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
  • British indie film stalwart Raindance is launching Raindance Vertical, a one-day festival and financing market in London for vertical film and series.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • And until advanced age intervened, tap-dancing was his preferred form of exercise.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • While the youngest retirement age, 62, could receive up to $2,969 per month, a recipient who waited until 70 years old could receive up to $5,181 per month, according to the Social Security Administration.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the debate Thursday night, Sullivan highlighted his record defending Alaska's energy and military interests in the state and attacked Peltola as ineffective during her time in office.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Larsson has missed practice time and the final three preseason games because of his illness, and Smith missed the entire preseason after straining his calf during training camp.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The deputies will be compensated at $75 per hour for a minimum of a four-hour coverage period.
    — Glory Reitz, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Luca Guadagnino‘s tech tale, which follows the five-day period in 2023 when Altman was fired and then rehired, earned rave reviews after its world premiere at New York Film Festival last week.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But more massive PBHs would last longer, with those roughly the mass of an asteroid enduring to evaporate in our current cosmic epoch.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The hero – rather than old technology – is an epoch of cosmological history called Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, or BBN.
    — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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