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
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Recent Examples of epochDire wolves were apex predators that roamed much of the Americas during the Pleistocene epoch, according to the National Park Service.—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Together, these discoveries painted a picture of a species that had once thrived in Australia’s alpine regions during the Pleistocene epoch, better known as the Ice Age.—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The earliest epoch of the universe was marked by incredibly hot and dense conditions.—Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025 Researchers hope the discovery will provide some new insights about the first inhabitants of Western Europe during the Early Pleistocene epoch.—Bradford Betz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epoch
The Department of Energy was born out of a fear in the 1970s that America was entering an era of energy scarcity and that government action was necessary to mitigate that risk.
—
Jack Spencer,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2025
The plot has been kept under wraps, but in the trailer for the film, news coverage and social media posts revisit the chaotic pandemic era, from reports tracking the virus’ spread to the rising racial reckoning and protests against police brutality that erupted in the summer.
In the suit, Rivers, who used the name Sara Stokes at the time, alleges that she and her bandmates were subjected to an abusive environment while making the show.
—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state.
Like the Kearns have done, families could split into different rooms, as well, depending on the age of their children.
—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
And while typology is by nature a rigid, formal framework, it’s somewhat allowed for surprising connections between German artists across generations, and through to the digital age.
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