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 hero – rather than old technology – is an epoch of cosmological history called Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, or BBN. — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Yet, in contending with the invading species, Denise is fashioned into a female action hero more in keeping with the epoch of director Quentin Tarantino than with that of President Ronald Reagan. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026

The shape of a certain kind of scandal is remarkably similar, epoch to epoch. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Because TDEs are common to less massive supermassive black holes, counting their occurrence at cosmic noon could give an indication of the masses of black holes during that epoch — the key to determining between heavy seeds and light seeds. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!