Thesaurus results for EPOCH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

epoch

noun

ˈe-pək

Definition of epoch

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

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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 This epoch of new middling and continental powers should be Africa’s moment. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Who’s to say international futbol isn’t ready to begrudgingly welcome a new epoch in the sport, and that is might be led by a host nation that proves itself a sleeping giant awakened? — Greg Cote june 22, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 General Motors Anderson sees design and human ingenuity falling into three main epochs, beginning with thousands of years of empirical design that saw creators largely mimicking nature, building and testing models, and advancing from there—slowly, expensively, and narrowly focused. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026 Other lines of circumstantial evidence also suggest shockingly large objects roamed the early epochs of our solar system. — Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch

Noun

Across the country, parents are desperate to undo some of the impacts of the smartphone era.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
There was no radio documentary form in this era, so very little framework for audio as something that questioned the narrative.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of era

Noun

Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.

— Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
That is just the day before the campaign gets underway, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the season opener on Friday at 7pm BST.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of day

Noun

Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

Nance co-authored a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics finding that the number of states where guns were the leading cause of death for children and teens increased from zero over the period 2004 to 2008 to 24 from 2019 to 2023.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
In that period between 2016 and 2021, 878 players died, of whom 235 brains were donated for examination.

— Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of period

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epitomizing

epoch

epochal

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“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of epoch

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Synonyms of epoch

noun

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