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

Examples 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 Interestingly, Puerto Rican painting went largely unchanged through that epoch. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Within that epoch there was also a 40 million year span known as the Ordovician Impact Spike that saw the Earth fairly tattooed with meteors raining down from space. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024 His fiction works are rife with symbolism and dominant themes from that literary epoch. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 30 Apr. 2024 The end of the long epoch of direct great-power interventions in Afghanistan has left a dangerous void. Kamran Bokhari, Foreign Affairs, 11 Jan. 2022 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • The Blackhawks’ uniform features a classic lace-neck collar, reminiscent of hockey’s early days, complemented by a vintage cream color intended to capture the nostalgic spirit of the Original Six era when the NHL consisted of only six teams including the Blackhawks.
    Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Before departure, a team from NPR climbed aboard what is, in effect, a ghost ship — a relic from the era of great liners that connected North America with Europe.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Of course, five minutes in the attic on a summer day, or one accidental brush against the insulation, quickly drives home the reality that the attic is just an attic.
    Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • New episodes are also available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Choosing a Weight For your first time, Blinch recommends going easy.
    Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • However many users took to social networks such as X or Reddit to complain about issues around freezes, loss of sound, and slow reload times.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 17 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • According to the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, syphilis rates among Native Americans in its region soared by 1,865% from 2020 to 2022 — over 10 times the 154% increase seen nationally during the same period.
    Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Given my data usage during the trial period, the $24.88 Unlimited plan makes far more sense.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But not every child in that age range is ready for strength training.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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