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 Mainstream pop has spent years mining this and similar eras, most visibly in the neon synth-pop of the Weeknd and the disco revival around Dua Lipa. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 In Medinaceli, a Roman-era hilltop town in northeast Spain, sky watchers secured grassy viewing points hours early and crowded restaurants and bars. Suman Naishadham, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Dior’s Hardcore era, with pierced bags from 20 years ago that are still deeply coveted. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 It was constructed in the era after the original Cypress Gardens closed, and a new owner was preparing a reopening as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
Noun
  • Tyler Boebert, 21, was arrested Sunday and released from the county's jail that day after posting $10,000 bail, according to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.
    Denver Post, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026
  • David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, exited the campaign in July but revived it days later after receiving Evers' endorsement.
    Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Families The minimum age to sail with Windstar is 8, but this is not really a ship for kids – given that there are not any specific programs for them.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • People half his age with serious mountain experience struggled and marvelled at him leading them to the top.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • According to information provided to the court, that witness is expected to testify about coercive interrogation techniques and how memory becomes less reliable over time.
    Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit marks the second time in six years that DePaul has been sued by a mental health provider that worked with the school’s athletes.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Authorities in the country of fewer than 400,000 people expect up to 20,000 additional overseas visitors for the eclipse, which comes during an already busy peak tourist period.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • After originally planning to stay on anyway, Alice has decided to seek other opportunities and would like a letter of recommendation after sticking around for Ted’s transition period.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Because TDEs are common to less massive supermassive black holes, counting their occurrence at cosmic noon could give an indication of the masses of black holes during that epoch — the key to determining between heavy seeds and light seeds.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026
  • The men’s and women’s national teams have had different experiences within their federation, but their emerging epoch is not coincidental.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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