Thesaurus results for ERA

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

era

noun

ˈer-ə

Definition of era

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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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 story of Zero Company is firmly set within the Clone Wars, and along with that comes the era's distinctive visual style and aesthetic. — Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The next era of corporate purpose will be built to survive the next election and thrive for decades. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new era has officially begun. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026 Graciously thanking ticketholders for their support, with a shoutout to the official start of Virgo season, the contemporary soul singer served up standout tracks across eras. — Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era

Recent Examples of Synonyms for era

Noun

Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
That is just the day before the campaign gets underway, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the season opener on Friday at 7pm BST.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of day

Noun

Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

Nance co-authored a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics finding that the number of states where guns were the leading cause of death for children and teens increased from zero over the period 2004 to 2008 to 24 from 2019 to 2023.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
In that period between 2016 and 2021, 878 players died, of whom 235 brains were donated for examination.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of period

Noun

Yet, in contending with the invading species, Denise is fashioned into a female action hero more in keeping with the epoch of director Quentin Tarantino than with that of President Ronald Reagan.

— Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
The shape of a certain kind of scandal is remarkably similar, epoch to epoch.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of epoch

Cite this Entry

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“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of era

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