AGE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'age' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of age are epoch , era , and period . While all these words mean "a division of time," age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature. // the age of Samuel Johnson

Q: When is it sensible to use 'epoch' instead of 'age'?

The words epoch and age are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 can 'era' be used instead of 'age'?

In some situations, the words era and age are roughly equivalent. However, era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things. // the era of global communications

Q: When might 'period' be a better fit than 'age'?

While the synonyms period and age are close in meaning, period may designate an extent of time of any length. // periods of economic prosperity

age 1 of 2

noun

ˈāj

Definition of age next

as in era

an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing the Bronze Age marks the beginning of the use of metal by ancient peoples

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in months

a long or seemingly long period of time it took ages for the clerk to ring up three items

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in twilight

a later period of one's life stoically endures all of the aches and pains that come with age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in maturity

the state of being an old person at 88, she gets frustrated by the feebleness that is inevitable with age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in antiquity

the state of being something old the copper monument has acquired the patina of age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

age

2 of 2

verb

as in to grow

to become mature as your cat ages and becomes less active, you should change her diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun age differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of age are epoch, era, and period. While all these words mean "a division of time," age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

When is it sensible to use epoch instead of age?

The words epoch and age are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 can era be used instead of age?

In some situations, the words era and age are roughly equivalent. However, era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

When might period be a better fit than age?

While the synonyms period and age are close in meaning, 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 age

Noun

Rift says that the number of bottles in a single barrel of bourbon depends on the age and strength of the bourbon. —

Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025 About This Week In Space This Week in Space covers the new space age. —

Space.com Staff, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Verb

Some of these closures are related to expiring leases or aging buildings, leadership said. —

Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 The aforementioned bookend scenes explain how Cap finds his way from the 1940s to the 21st century, seemingly without having aged a day. —

Will Harris, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for age

Recent Examples of Synonyms for age

Noun

Published on Monday in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the results of the desert dig painted the picture of a fearsome, big-cat creature with a strong jaw and sharp teeth that occupied the spot at the top of the food chain during the Oligocene Epoch era.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Papa San not only promises an extraordinary culinary journey but also a bold statement in New York’s rich and diverse restaurant scene, setting the stage for a new era of dining where cuisine, culture and innovation intersect.

— WWD, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025