Definition of epochnext
as in era
an extent of time associated with a particular person or thing Sir Isaac Newton is usually credited with establishing the epoch of modern science

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun epoch differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of epoch are age, era, and period. While all these words mean "a division of time," 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 is it sensible to use age instead of epoch?

The meanings of age and epoch largely overlap; however, age is used frequently of a fairly definite period dominated by a prominent figure or feature.

the age of Samuel Johnson

When might era be a better fit than epoch?

Although the words era and epoch have much in common, era suggests a period of history marked by a new or distinct order of things.

the era of global communications

In what contexts can period take the place of epoch?

While in some cases nearly identical to epoch, 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 epoch Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski’s experimental period drama tracing the lives of four young women from four different epochs in rural East Germany, swept the German Film Awards, the Lolas, winning 10 Lolas including best film and best director for Schilinski. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026 An epoch receipt says the system has not rolled back. Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 For decades, astronomers looking through telescopes like Hubble have been trying to catch a glimpse of the ancient epoch when the Universe’s first generation of stars ignited. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026 The Late Cretaceous was the final epoch of the Mesozoic Era, which was dominated by the dinosaurs, including tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • But apparently bizarre comments and financial failures are what the James Gunn era at DC Studios is all about.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • While complexion trends may be in their dewy era, there's still something to be said for a great powder foundation—especially on hot, sticky summer days.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Bass was in Ghana on a diplomatic trip when the deadly inferno spread amid extraordinarily high Santa Ana winds that forecasters had warned about for days.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Its summer program is built as a four or five-day series, with each two-hour session focused on a theme like pastry-making or global flavors.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The best Amazon Prime Day hair tool deals prove that now’s the time to invest in a quality curling iron, blow-dry brush or straightener.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • Prime Day 2026 is here and now’s the time to jump on all the amazing deals happening this week, starting today, Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Irwin will observe the section’s sit-out period for transfers, Ellinghouse said.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 June 2026
  • This establishes a baseline for each user by monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels and other physiological signals during sleep over a seven-day period.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • At age 34, this very well could be the final World Cup for the 2014 Golden Boot winner at the competition.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
  • Their age wasn't immediately known.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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