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 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
  • This ancient species was found in sediment dating back to the Late Pleistocene era.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The result is the deepest roster of the Dončić era.
    Christian Clark, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Powered by pink clay and charcoal, Amika Reset Pink Charcoal Scalp Cleansing Oil gently absorbs impurities while soothing with a refreshing menthol tingle that takes wash day to luxurious new heights.
    Erin Parker, Allure, 3 Jan. 2025
  • During several days of intense fighting, Japanese forces were decimated, and about 1,000 U.S. Marines and sailors were killed.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Penguins were penalized seven times in the opening period.
    Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 12 Jan. 2025
  • As his time in the White House comes to a close, President Joe Biden has implemented a series of executive orders and rules, trying to cement his policies before Donald Trump returns with the threat of undoing them.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Overall, about 1,100 defendants have been sentenced, with about 667 receiving periods of incarceration.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
  • That change has radically impacted all aspects of the post-election period.
    Miles Parks, NPR, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Chris Sale In his first season with the Atlanta Braves at age 35, Sale made his most starts (29), recorded his lowest ERA (2.38), pitched more innings (177.2) and struck out more batters (225) in any season since 2018.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Dave Prater, Moore’s partner in Sam & Dave, died in a car accident at age 50 in 1988.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

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