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 Each bottle becomes a marker of its era — not only in design, but in aspiration. Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026 The star is also rumored to be releasing Act III sometime this year…could the look be hinting at that era, too? Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026 For decades, those 120 losses stood as the modern-era record for the most in an MLB season, until the Chicago White Sox finally — mercifully? Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026 Throughout this era of success, Burson was dealing with a profound series of medical issues that would come to shape her life and mind dramatically. Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 Your pace determines how steady your day feels.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • And while this is the king's first visit to his son's new home country since the rift, the four-day work trip isn't a personal one.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Has the state of the world, your age, anything sort of changed your motivation toward the game?
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Positive Results Center empowers healing journeys, helping people of all ages discover their dreams and potential.
    Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • O’Neal, the daughter of four-time NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, entered the portal April 14 after two seasons at UF; former head coach Kelly Rae Finley was fired by administration in March after five seasons at the helm.
    Caroline Makauskas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • During a 10-year stretch from 2012 to 2020, Rolando had 40 or more players in the program six times, peaking at 57 in 2012.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On Monday, McGovern, Kinahan’s former top lieutenant, appeared at Dublin’s Special Criminal Court for a sentencing hearing relating to the same period.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • First-time inspections and system work completed Several tasks carried out during this maintenance period were firsts for the shipyard.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Late Cretaceous was the final epoch of the Mesozoic Era, which was dominated by the dinosaurs, including tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • That span of wavelengths happens to be a window into the most mysterious epoch of the universe’s history.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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