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 Major Craters on Earth To garner the results of this study, the research team looked at the impacts of two major asteroids from the late Eocene epoch (about 38 million years to 33 million years ago). Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 The Clovis people were prehistoric Native Americans who lived roughly 13,000 years ago in North America near the end of the Pleistocene epoch. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The paleontologists determined the cub to be 35,000 to 37,000 years old − from the late Pleistocene epoch, more commonly known as the Ice Age, Lopatin said. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 In the epoch of artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for real-time decision-making and data-processing applications is rapidly increasing. Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • The pure simplicity of 2-D games like Tecmo Bowl, Pac-Man, and even the raging kitchen fires within The Sims, are relics of a more facile era in gaming.
    David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • On Our Radar -The era of remote work is officially over, for government employees, that is.
    Zoya Hasan, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • After days of working with Colorado’s congressional delegation and the U.S. Embassy, Kuziez and his colleagues were cleared to head south Monday, just as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were allowed to return home to northern Gaza.
    Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Senators are able to speak without time limits in the chamber, but the Senate can vote to end debate – a polarizing and rarely taken step that would likely come in the final days or hours of the legislative session.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The social media influencer, known for high-profile relationships with actors Michael B. Jordan, Damson Idris and rapper Future, is the subject of an exclusive interview and photo shoot for the iconic men’s magazine, returning to newsstands on Feb. 10 for the first time in nearly five years.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state.
    Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In that March 23 game, Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists in that opening period – a productive quarter, but well below his usual total output for a full game.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Trade was a drag on growth in the period, with imports, which subtract from the GDP calculation, off 0.8%.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the case of cervical cancer, which is largely considered preventable, screening recommendations span ages 21 to 65—fully covering women ages 30 to 44 in whom rates are rising—making this trend especially troubling to Siegel.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Wow books are also great mess-free additions to your activity bag, plus there’s a handy case attached to the book for the applicator. Sticker Books Part coloring book, part paint-by-number, sticker books are my go-to for kids ages four and up.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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