Definition of epochnext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of epoch Del Toro provided rich historical context for the film, describing Stevens’ path through several epochs of filmmaking. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Jan. 2026 The spots were ubiquitous in scenes from this early epoch. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 14 Jan. 2026 Climate operates on the scale of decades, centuries, millennia, and epochs. New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026 Hence the lavish screening parties and fierce arguments that characterized the Weinstein epoch no longer obscure the landscape. Peter Bart, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • The administration also halted Biden-era contracts aimed at developing more protective COVID vaccines.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The double-digit rise in homelessness from 2022 to 2024 can be attributed to the end of COVID-era eviction moratoriums and emergency rental assistance programs, county officials said, which had kept many people housed during the pandemic.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But that didn’t stop her, and a few days later Waller was able to make contact with Huntington-Whiteley through another fashion influencer on Instagram – and the designer coat was successfully acquired.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Lucky enough to work multiple Olympics with Savannah and to get to know the ‘Today’ show team and sit in for Craig (Melvin) for a few days this past year.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The route at the time of the collision allowed the Black Hawk to fly as close as 75 feet below planes descending to land on runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the NTSB.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While Russian state media said that the ceasefire went into effect, Ukraine’s military said attacks continued throughout the period.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • March quarter revenue is expected to increase 13% to 16% versus the year-ago period, a stronger forecast relative to estimates of about 10%.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The looming departures add pressure to an industry already contending with 350,000 open positions — a shortfall that’s expected to grow in coming years as the nation ages.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Giuffre died by suicide last year at age 41.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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