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

There are banks and financial institutions around the globe running Java and COBOL software language systems from the same epoch. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch, which retreated about 14,000 years ago, left behind the rolling landscape of craggy granite peaks, sloping valleys, and fathomless lakes. —Alex Tzelnic, Outside Online, 6 June 2025

Death and dreams are indeed at the center of a phantasmagorical narrative divided into five long chapters, plus a short epilogue, each told in the specific style of its epoch. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025

The post-World War II era has been a remarkable historical epoch of eight decades of prosperity and progress. —Nicholas D. Kristof, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025

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