Synonyms of epoch

epoch

noun

ˈe-pək 

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

• era
• day
• time
• period
• age
• year
• generation
• cycle
• date
• span
• space
• while
• bit
• vintage
• spell
• stretch

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of epoch

The rugged, zigzagging massif is the result of the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates about 100 million years ago and later massive glacial activity in the Pleistocene epoch. —Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

The pair’s adventures take place during an epoch in which the Targaryens still sit upon the Iron Throne. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 11 Oct. 2025

Genre paintings tell us so much about how a particular epoch views itself in relation to its traditions and to its canon and to all these other various things. —Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025

According to the researchers, this model predicted up to 70 percent more massive galaxy clusters in the Universe’s early epochs due to stronger gravitational forces. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025

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