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

The cave system flooded at the end of the last ice age — the end of the Pleistocene epoch — approximately 8,000 years ago, due to rising sea levels from melting ice. —Ryan Brennan april 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026

Throughout this tumultuous epoch, the battle over America got wrapped up in the baffling intricacies of health care—first insurance coverage, then COVID. —Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026

Charismatic and charming as ever, Gosling easily shoulders the job of being the only human onscreen for an epoch. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

During the Pleistocene epoch, fluctuating sea levels sometimes reduced the distance between Taiwan and mainland Asia. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!