epochal

adjective

ep·​och·​al ˈe-pə-kəl How to pronounce epochal (audio)
ˈe-ˌpä-kəl
1
: of or relating to an epoch
2
: uniquely or highly significant : momentous
during his three epochal years in the assemblyC. G. Bowers
also : unparalleled
epochal stupidity
epochally adverb

Examples of epochal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As in the 1970s, the political climate has undergone an epochal shift since 2020. Payton McCarty-Simas, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025 But China in 2025 is suffering the consequences of a Xi era that’s talked a great game of epochal change but achieved little. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 With its endlessly quotable teen slang, closet-envy fashion, and pop culture references, the film remains an epochal '90s movie that hasn't lost a stitch of charm or relevance. Danny Horn, EW.com, 19 July 2025 This movie was meant to be DC’s epochal Avengers-like moment. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for epochal

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of epochal was in 1685

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epochal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epochal. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on epochal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!