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

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

The gardens form a timeline guiding visitors through botanical epochs, from the Devonian and Carboniferous to the Jurassic, Cretaceous, Cenozoic and later paleobotanical eras. —Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!