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 If our explorations of the strange frontiers of solid-state physics are successful, there is always a chance that the next epoch of technology will come to be known as the Strange Metal Age. Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • As the Shah era starts, there are differing sentiments.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • In Patriot, the recent memoir from Alexei Navalny, a Russian dissident from our own era, the matter-of-factness of his position is almost shocking.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The acting director was testifying on Thursday about the steps the agency has taken since then to correct some of the issues identified in the various subsequent reviews of that day.
    Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
  • All of this happened over a weekend in the first couple of days of the following week.
    Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Swims and Bunetta fleshed out the rest of the song in an Airbnb together, taking inspiration from a relationship Swims was struggling with at the time.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Given the lack of economic opportunities in the area at the time, Ryan left home after high school, working at a ski hill and then in construction before enrolling in a tourism program at university.
    Sofia Perez, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Baranski currently stars in HBO’s period drama The Gilded Age (2022–present).
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
  • This week’s White House Report Card finds the nation entering an awkward period where the sitting president is becoming irrelevant, and the incoming president is prematurely taking charge. Take Saturday’s celebration of the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as an example.
    Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • According to recent reports, the number of people living to age 100 is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Horner died in 2019 at age 39 while serving life without parole for the murders, the Altoona Mirror reported.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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