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

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

The press tour for Horizon was one for the ages, with each Costner appearance offering us a new nugget of wisdom from the Academy Award–winning movie star. —

Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Also new is Opera Tag-a-Long, for children ages 3-8 to explore opera with games, singing, and storytelling while their grownups attend a mainstage matinée performance. —

Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

Verb

At the New Ground Estate in London, 26 residents are making history -- living at the first and only co-housing community in the United Kingdom dedicated to women aged 50 and over. —

Sarah Prazmark, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024 Residents aged 16 and older are eligible for an annual subsidy of more than 20,000 yuan (about $2,800), state media reported. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for age

Recent Examples of Synonyms for age

Noun

Cundy, for instance, has since made a career out of the fame of the brief heyday of the WAG era.

Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024
The Blackhawks’ uniform features a classic lace-neck collar, reminiscent of hockey’s early days, complemented by a vintage cream color intended to capture the nostalgic spirit of the Original Six era when the NHL consisted of only six teams including the Blackhawks.

Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024