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 Her thigh-high vinyl boots didn’t have the same aesthetic of the epoch. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 Jan. 2026 His body was laid in state not far from the Spanish Steps — thousands queued over the two days to bid their farewells to the designer, the first, and in many ways the only, Italian to break into French haute couture back in Fifties, a postwar epoch when things like that were thought impossible. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Del Toro provided rich historical context for the film, describing Stevens’ path through several epochs of filmmaking. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Jan. 2026 Climate operates on the scale of decades, centuries, millennia, and epochs. New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • Particularly in the era of LLM chatbots, which will flatter us and every one of our thoughts in conversation, self-inflicting this type of harsh criticism upon ourselves and our cherished ideas may seem especially unnerving.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Clayton Kershaw, a Hall of Fame lock in any era, will debut on the 2031 ballot.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kaley watched an average of four minutes and 9 seconds of videos recommended by YouTube’s autoplay feature per day, Li said.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Doyle says the lookout’s closure had cut business at Christina’s Cafe to three or four customers per day, killing her profit margin.
    Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This long-term approach allowed scientists to account for changes in coffee and tea consumption over time, while monitoring for both clinical dementia diagnoses and subtle shifts in cognitive function.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Over time, Warren began to incorporate other martial arts disciplines like Judo and Aikido to teach his students to be well-rounded enough to react to any situation.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If passed, the bill would allow residential ratepayers to be placed on budget billing plans on July 1, and utilities will be prohibited from disconnecting low-income customers’ services during periods with extreme heat warnings.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The bracelet wasn’t the only piece of period jewelry Robbie wore on the London carpet.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For families This family-friendly resort offers a Kids For All Seasons program, family movie nights, kite-making activity, and more—plus complimentary kids’ menu meals for children ages five and under.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Sensory-inclusive shows offer accommodations for a neurodivergent audience of all ages.
    Alyssa Ramos, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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