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

This is a result of a profit-first capitalist system in crisis in the epoch of imperialism’s decline. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

What was considered holy at one time was considered impure in other epochs. —Isaac Bashevis Singer, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Although the species disappeared sometime during the Miocene epoch (23 million years to 5.3 million years ago), the new fossil specimen could still provide insight into solving local extinction issues that have become increasingly relevant in the modern age. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025

Dire 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

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