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

Relevance

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

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 Researchers hope the discovery will provide some new insights about the first inhabitants of Western Europe during the Early Pleistocene epoch. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 The ancient oceans of the Eocene epoch teemed with lifeforms that today seem almost otherworldly. Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 The earliest epoch of the universe was marked by incredibly hot and dense conditions. Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025 Big contrasts also can be seen in the times of their prominence, although both emerged at the end of their respective epochs and foreshadowed elements of what was to come. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • Now the Trump administration ushered in a new era of immigration raids, fewer protections from the city and the new fear that churches could be targeted by immigration officials.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Now, advocates say President Trump's second term has ushered in a new era of fear for adoptees without citizenship.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The day that promotes environmental protection and awareness is celebrating its 55th anniversary.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • In response to his comments, Mr. Trump took aim at the Fed chair, writing in a social media post the following day that the central bank should be cutting interest rates.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At this time last year, 44 homicides had been reported in the city, according to Star data.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Oilers tied the game late in third period, but the Kings celebrated a 6-5 victory in Game 1.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Heat still kept pushing and the Cavaliers went cold in the third quarter, shooting 8 of 24 (33.3 percent) from the field and 4 of 15 (26.7 percent) on threes in the period.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The National Civilian Community Corps deployed adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to work for weeks at a time to serve in communities, working on disaster response, environmental conservation and wildfire prevention across the country.
    Aishvarya Kavi, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There are two different vaccines available based on age.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!