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
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Recent Examples of epochDuring this epoch, expanses of coastal plains revealed themselves as sea levels dropped by around 330 feet.—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Sep. 2025 Everton commenced the epoch on Sunday with a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League (WSL).—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 In the tropics during Earth’s hottest epochs, such as spans when alligators lived near the poles 50 million years ago, temperatures inland that approach 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) would seem to have pushed up against the hard limits for life.—Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 Music always resonated with me and certain songs define epochs from days gone by.—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Once seen as one of the Bay Area’s last affordable cities, San Leandro now faces one of the highest rates of eviction notices per capita as officials grapple with the end of pandemic-era renter protections.
—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
European sailors of that era were fascinated by the rich trading cities of Asia, which had been known from Marco Polo’s travels.
Islamabad — Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have flared in recent days with the exchange of deadly gunfire between the neighbors that has stoked fears of a wider conflict.
—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
Her 107-day run was the shortest presidential campaign in modern history.
Lastly, the scholars chalk the tremendous success of the books up to Rowling’s evocative writing, which encouraged young readers to be creative while holding their attention for long periods of time.
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JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Oct. 2025
Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
But Takaichi gave up her beloved Kawasaki Z400GP motorcycle after becoming a lawmaker in 1993 at age 32, reportedly to avoid accidents that could hinder her work.
—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
He was thrilled when, at age 12, his parents bought a Baldwin grand piano secondhand from the University of Central Arkansas.
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