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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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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as in antiquity

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

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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

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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

Examples 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

Some have testicles that are malfunctioning in testosterone production, while others see a decline in the hormone because of age. —

Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024 His wife, Eva Perón, who died from cancer at age 33, became an idol for the country’s poor. —

Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Working with Mehmet Oz, Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Kennedy could push to get questionable treatments or medical devices covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and those with disabilities. —

Emily Mullin, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024 Greece now has around one birth for every two deaths, and the share of the population aged over 65 is nearly twice that aged 0 to 14. —

Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for age

Recent Examples of Synonyms for age

Noun

As the Shah era starts, there are differing sentiments.

Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
In Republican political circles, where she’s been active throughout the Trump era, Dhillon is regarded as smart, articulate, and tough.

The Editors, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024