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 Major Craters on Earth To garner the results of this study, the research team looked at the impacts of two major asteroids from the late Eocene epoch (about 38 million years to 33 million years ago). Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 The Clovis people were prehistoric Native Americans who lived roughly 13,000 years ago in North America near the end of the Pleistocene epoch. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The paleontologists determined the cub to be 35,000 to 37,000 years old − from the late Pleistocene epoch, more commonly known as the Ice Age, Lopatin said. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 In the epoch of artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for real-time decision-making and data-processing applications is rapidly increasing. Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • On Our Radar -The era of remote work is officially over, for government employees, that is.
    Zoya Hasan, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The pure simplicity of 2-D games like Tecmo Bowl, Pac-Man, and even the raging kitchen fires within The Sims, are relics of a more facile era in gaming.
    David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Now watch a ballerina's entire performance day routine: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place!
    Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 28 Jan. 2025
  • And in scenes that dizzyingly jump around from day and night, blood is spilled and bullets are sprayed.
    Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • By contrast, last season there were only about 550 during the same time period.
    Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2025
  • In his 14 games (including the postseason) this season, Kupp had 10 or more targets just four times and eight or more targets six times.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In that March 23 game, Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists in that opening period – a productive quarter, but well below his usual total output for a full game.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The company reported net income of $287 million, up from $228 million in the year-earlier period.
    Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The average age of the Broadway theatregoer was 42 years old.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
  • In the streaming age, when many people can watch anything at any time, live sports remain as one of the few ways advertisers can create watercooler moments.
    Jamie Barton, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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