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
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Recent Examples of epochGeneral 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 Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski’s experimental period drama tracing the lives of four young women from four different epochs in rural East Germany, swept the German Film Awards, the Lolas, winning 10 Lolas including best film and best director for Schilinski.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
29 May 2026 An epoch receipt says the system has not rolled back.—
Pravir Malik,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Some visitors there, too, can’t help but connect Lincoln’s era in America to today’s politics, said Rob Thurman, the museum’s assistant director.
—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Ohio organizers are honoring Toni Morrison with a yearlong, statewide reading project that sequences her 11 novels by era, revealing a sweeping, alternative history of America.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and backup Daniil Tarasov will both be free agents in a matter of days, leaving Florida with a crucial hole — or net – to fill.
—
Ava DiCecca,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2026
But since reports linked the couple's big day to Madison Square Garden on July 3, new details have continued to emerge — from public permits and venue schedules to comments from teammates, city officials and the bride and groom.