Synonyms of epoch

epoch

noun

ˈe-pək 

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

• era
• day
• time
• period
• age
• year
• generation
• cycle
• date
• span
• space
• while
• bit
• vintage
• spell
• stretch

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

Recent Examples of epoch

Modern Southern Appalachia was much warmer during the Pliocene epoch, which lured prehistoric mammal species east after crossing the Bering Land Bridge. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2025

With a few glaring homages to Jean-Luc Godard, among other nods to the epoch, the film plays more like historical pastiche than original material. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025

That hydrogen provides clues to how the epoch of reionization unfolded, and other characteristics of the cosmos. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025

Despite the early epoch, their stellar masses rival that of today’s Milky Way, which has 60 billion solar masses worth of stars. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025

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