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 epochInsects have been capable of detecting ultrasonic sounds since at least the Eocene epoch (55.8 million to 33.9 million years ago).—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 And when the skies open up and the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) glides into Times Square to announce that Earth has been marked for consumption by the planet-eating pre–Planck epoch pseudo-god Galactus (Ralph Ineson), the world looks to our superhumans to go up into space and investigate further.—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 July 2025 With the pair at the helm, the goal was to standardize the superhero universe and kick-start a new epoch for the studio.—Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 Cohen’s own choice of provenance is the Georgian period, and her favorite ring is an old European cut diamond from the epoch.—James Manso, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Yet others in the banking industry said its risk of losing its footing in Washington goes beyond crypto, involving broader challenges from Trump-era shifts in the government’s political, social, and environmental agendas.
The president's announcement came just days after Memphis police reported decreases across every major crime category in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in previous years.
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Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Sep. 2025
The only period in modern times that carbon storage increased there was during a decade-long moratorium following protests and litigation.
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