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

Relevance

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 Realignment began after President Franklin Roosevelt launched the New Deal, which provided Depression-era economic support. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026 Something similar happened to the Biden-era regulation. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 Gore could potentially throw the fastest pitch that any Rangers lefty starter has thrown in the era of accessible velocity data. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026 And that was a different era of college football. Mike Dame, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for era
Recent Examples of Synonyms for era
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
  • Officers and horses are paired for the duration of the animal's career, which typically ends around age 20.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Both victims were under age 5 at the time of the crime, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In January 2023, McCarthy again moved to block Swalwell's reappointment to the Intelligence Committee after Republicans reclaimed the House majority, this time succeeding.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Rachel Barber The national average retail price of a gallon of gasoline surpassed $4 for the first time in more than three years, as the Iran war continues to drive oil costs up and raise prices at the pump.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony is a hallmark of every Holy Week, a period of worship in Christianity leading up to Easter Sunday.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud received a video tribute at the first timeout of the opening period.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Throughout this tumultuous epoch, the battle over America got wrapped up in the baffling intricacies of health care—first insurance coverage, then COVID.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Charismatic and charming as ever, Gosling easily shoulders the job of being the only human onscreen for an epoch.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Era.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/era. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on era

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster