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 of epoch in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web 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 The end of the long epoch of direct great-power interventions in Afghanistan has left a dangerous void. Kamran Bokhari, Foreign Affairs, 11 Jan. 2022 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • The president-elect is condemned by critics as a dangerous isolationist who emboldens strongmen and hailed by supporters as a forthright defender of American interests, and most observers at least agree that a second Trump era will be unpredictable.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Throughout the early 2000s, the Palms was a go-to party spot off the strip, drawing hard-partying Hollywood celebs of the era — Paris Hilton was a regular — and providing competition to the then-preeminent Hard Rock Casino.
    Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Crew ($115) and Bottom ($115) From powder days in Tahoe to damp training runs, the Woolies became our top choice for high-output activities and all-day wear alike.
    Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Later in the day, Spotify (SPOT), the music streaming giant, will report its earnings after the market close, along with MARA Holdings (MARA), a key player in the cryptocurrency mining industry.
    Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Tom Ford is making headlines again, this time in the real estate arena, where he’s known as a regular buyer and seller of extraordinary homes.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This election, Nebraska has been in the national spotlight multiple times, including for competitive national races and its quirky electoral vote system.
    Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • According to the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, syphilis rates among Native Americans in its region soared by 1,865% from 2020 to 2022 — over 10 times the 154% increase seen nationally during the same period.
    Kff Health News, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The gravitational pressure on the pelvic floor strains the muscles when constantly sitting for long periods.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Ian McShane is still mourning the loss of his fellow John Wick costar Lance Reddick, who died last year at age 60.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Celine Dion has paid tribute to iconic producer/arranger/composer and bandleader Quincy Jones, following his death Sunday at age 91.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near epoch

Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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