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

Roses first emerged some 35 million years ago during the Eocene epoch, which was when early horses and canids first appeared. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026

Only a nerd takes pleasure in responsibility, and we are firmly ensconced in an anti-nerd epoch. —Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026

This epoch is so-called because we Earthlings have yet to sense anything from this time period, which started about 380,000 years after the big bang and lasted 200 million to 400 million years. —Harry Goldstein, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Feb. 2026

Her thigh-high vinyl boots didn’t have the same aesthetic of the epoch. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 Jan. 2026

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