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 While investigating what brought about this epoch, astronomers had identified two chief suspects that could have produced sufficient amounts of ultraviolet light to ionize the neutral hydrogen. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 June 2026 Perhaps this isn’t even an age in that sense of the term, not in the sense that the Baroque or the Roman or the ancient Greek culture represented an age but, rather, the entire occurrence of human civilization to date represents one single epoch, and that is over. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 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 Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski’s experimental period drama tracing the lives of four young women from four different epochs in rural East Germany, swept the German Film Awards, the Lolas, winning 10 Lolas including best film and best director for Schilinski. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
  1. era
  2. day
  3. time
  4. period
  5. age
Noun
  • Some visitors there, too, can’t help but connect Lincoln’s era in America to today’s politics, said Rob Thurman, the museum’s assistant director.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Ohio organizers are honoring Toni Morrison with a yearlong, statewide reading project that sequences her 11 novels by era, revealing a sweeping, alternative history of America.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of era
Noun
  • Captain Tim Ream entered the media area after the defeat, a shell of a man who had spent the previous days proudly leading the team throughout this tournament, playing in four US matches at this World Cup.
    — David Close, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • Every travel day requires a spacious carry-on bag that’s comfortable to schlep through the airport and spacious enough to hold your in-flight essentials.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of day
Noun
  • While wedding vows typically last about one to three minutes per person, Swift and Kelce took their time celebrating one another on their big day.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The extraordinary strait lockdown could make this time different.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • Sail 250 has brought foreign militaries to the United States amid a volatile period for the country's international relations.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Britain controlled Florida from 1763 until the territory was returned to Spain at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, a period of 20 years.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of period
Noun
  • In fact, research shows that when given the choice, on-site work remains the least popular option across every age range according to Gallup.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Perfect for children ages 3-5, the event starts by reading Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

Nglish: Translation of epoch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epoch

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