epoch

noun

ˈe-pək How to pronounce epoch (audio)
Definition of epochnext
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 The post-World War II era has been a remarkable historical epoch of eight decades of prosperity and progress. —Nicholas D. Kristof, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025 One possibility is that the light may have come from the earliest generation of stars formed in the universe, hotter and more luminous than stars formed in later epochs. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025 The ancient oceans of the Eocene epoch teemed with lifeforms that today seem almost otherworldly. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
  1. era
  2. day
  3. time
  4. period
  5. age
Noun
  • Now the Trump administration ushered in a new era of immigration raids, fewer protections from the city and the new fear that churches could be targeted by immigration officials.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Now, advocates say President Trump's second term has ushered in a new era of fear for adoptees without citizenship.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of era
Noun
  • Keep a daily running score or just play for a new score each day.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Later in the day, the Toyota Prius Kolomoeits is suspected of using in the kidnapping was seen crossing the border into Mexico at San Ysidro.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of day
Noun
  • At this time last year, 44 homicides had been reported in the city, according to Star data.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • He's been a friend of mine for a long period of time.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Despite that provision, CBS made numerous deals in Australia and New Zealand for a longer period of time.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of period
Noun
  • The National Civilian Community Corps deployed adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to work for weeks at a time to serve in communities, working on disaster response, environmental conservation and wildfire prevention across the country.
    — Aishvarya Kavi, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • There are two different vaccines available based on age.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of age

Browse Nearby Words

epitomizing
epoch
epochal
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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

Nglish: Translation of epoch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epoch

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