The term "in the common era" is often used as a secular alternative to the traditional "Anno Domini" (AD) dating system. Some synonyms for "in the common era" include "CE," "current era," "modern era," "post-Christian era," and "secular era." These terms are used to mark years since the traditionally accepted birth year of Jesus Christ. While AD is still widely used, many people now prefer to use BCE (Before Common Era) and CE to avoid religious connotations. Whether you choose to use traditional dating systems or opt for more secular alternatives, it's important to stay consistent in your use of dating terms.