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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • 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.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • 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.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • While wedding vows typically last about one to three minutes per person, Swift and Kelce took their time celebrating one another on their big day.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The extraordinary strait lockdown could make this time different.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Sail 250 has brought foreign militaries to the United States amid a volatile period for the country's international relations.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Britain controlled Florida from 1763 until the territory was returned to Spain at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, a period of 20 years.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Perfect for children ages 3-5, the event starts by reading Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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