age 1 of 2

Definition of agenext
1
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

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age

2 of 2

verb

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

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
The Noongar Wongi rapper from Boorloo (Perth), still a teenager, delivered a full-band take on the 2003 conscious hip-hop classic, leaning into its themes of global division and compassion with a confidence that belied his age. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2026 The protest featured people of all ages, but turnout did trend toward retirement age — a common characteristic of recent anti-Trump protests. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
Countries are also aging faster than their level of development might suggest. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 Families The resort is for adults only (children aged over 16 are welcome). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for age
Recent Examples of Synonyms for age
Noun
  • In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Florida carried out 19 executions in 2025, a modern-era record.
    Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the end of that decade, in 1999, as the fourth-generation SL was entering its twilight years, the speed freaks at AMG decided to create a special SL hotrod.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Colorful epic aerial panorama of San Francisco skyline downtown with business building skyscraper and waterfront at twilight in California, USA.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When a species takes a century just to reach maturity, every individual matters.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Resiliency has become a moral injunction — a signal of maturity and strength.
    Big Think, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The splendid Nezu Museum houses a collection of Asian art and antiquities ranging from paintings to samurai swords, with a traditional tea room and beautiful grounds to explore, too.
    Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
  • And from antiquity, Japan has suffered under natural disasters—people’s survival has depended on outside forces.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Invite a calm talk about time commitments, because fairness grows when expectations are measurable and both sides understand what happens if plans change.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • When looking at the largest metro areas, the fastest growing counties tended to be on the outer edges.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Over the next 7 days, the Hornets must take care of business against Indiana.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until filling is set and cake is cold, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Those tush-pushes can’t beat you if The Winter Soldier’s facing third-and-forevers.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
  • One way to mess with an option team’s Plan A is to not only stick them with third-and-forevers, but to put them in an early hole, making them throw out of desperation.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • Southerly sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts around 25 mph on Saturday and lowest afternoon and evening humidity of 15 to 25% Friday and Saturday.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
  • One resident was injured and about 150 others were displaced after a motel fire in White Settlement on Thursday afternoon, officials said in a Facebook post.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Age.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/age. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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