epoch

noun

ˈe-pək How to pronounce epoch (audio)
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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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 This epoch of new middling and continental powers should be Africa’s moment. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Who’s to say international futbol isn’t ready to begrudgingly welcome a new epoch in the sport, and that is might be led by a host nation that proves itself a sleeping giant awakened? — Greg Cote june 22, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
  1. era
  2. day
  3. time
  4. period
  5. age
Noun
  • The performances made history as the biggest ever open-air concerts in the UK (the crowd numbered 125,000 both days) and are often cited as representing the pinnacle of the Britpop era.
    — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For more on how the world appears to be entering a higher-rate era, read here.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of era
Noun
  • Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That is just the day before the campaign gets underway, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in the season opener on Friday at 7pm BST.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of day
Noun
  • Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • Trout has spent his entire 16-year career with the Angels, a period that has coincided with one of the worst stretches in franchise history.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid jumping or diving in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of period
Noun
  • Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images Two former Golden State Warriors employees have sued the NBA franchise, alleging gender, age and race-based discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation tied to their terminations.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, a recent survey of more than 2,000 women ages 40-64 conducted by Bonafide Health found that problems snoozing was one of the most unsettling symptoms of perimenopause — ranking ahead of hot flashes.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of age

Browse Nearby Words

epitomizing
epoch
epochal
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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epoch

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