Thesaurus results for EPOCH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

epoch

noun

ˈe-pək

Definition of epoch

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 Yet, in contending with the invading species, Denise is fashioned into a female action hero more in keeping with the epoch of director Quentin Tarantino than with that of President Ronald Reagan. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026 The shape of a certain kind of scandal is remarkably similar, epoch to epoch. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Because TDEs are common to less massive supermassive black holes, counting their occurrence at cosmic noon could give an indication of the masses of black holes during that epoch — the key to determining between heavy seeds and light seeds. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 July 2026 The men’s and women’s national teams have had different experiences within their federation, but their emerging epoch is not coincidental. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch

Noun

Harvard Business School professor Willy Shih, who joined Seroka for the briefing, urged caution on declaring the China era over.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
The music, written, according to Paul McCartney, as a message to Black Americans during the civil rights era—and more recently reinterpreted by Beyoncé—sounds from the Cornell Chimes, located 173-feet high at the top of the school’s McGraw Tower.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of era

Noun

Prosecutors charged her with registering to vote and casting a ballot the same day as Shah, but in her case at a polling location in Solano County.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Years earlier, a similar test by another group of researchers left their machine smoking, two days in a row.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of day

Noun

In the debate Thursday night, Sullivan highlighted his record defending Alaska's energy and military interests in the state and attacked Peltola as ineffective during her time in office.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Larsson has missed practice time and the final three preseason games because of his illness, and Smith missed the entire preseason after straining his calf during training camp.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

The electronic shelf labels make frequent changes easier but don't necessarily lead to higher prices during periods of strong demand.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of period

Noun

And until advanced age intervened, tap-dancing was his preferred form of exercise.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
While the youngest retirement age, 62, could receive up to $2,969 per month, a recipient who waited until 70 years old could receive up to $5,181 per month, according to the Social Security Administration.

— Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of age

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epitomizing

epoch

epochal

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“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of epoch

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Synonyms of epoch

noun

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Example Sentences

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