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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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

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 There are banks and financial institutions around the globe running Java and COBOL software language systems from the same epoch. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Glaciers of the Pleistocene epoch, which retreated about 14,000 years ago, left behind the rolling landscape of craggy granite peaks, sloping valleys, and fathomless lakes. —Alex Tzelnic, Outside Online, 6 June 2025 Death and dreams are indeed at the center of a phantasmagorical narrative divided into five long chapters, plus a short epilogue, each told in the specific style of its epoch. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for epoch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
  1. era
  2. day
  3. time
  4. period
  5. age
Noun
  • Swiatek is now the eighth different winner in the last eight years, following on from the Serena Williams era.
    — Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • And, heading into the DOGE era, New Mexico was home to more than 22,000 federal employees in a workforce of less than 900,000.
    — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Definition of era
Noun
  • The Head-to-Toe Neutral Outfit While summer is all about color, monochrome looks are just what the mood calls for some days.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Indeed, insiders report that the clerical committee tasked with selecting a successor to Khamenei has accelerated its search efforts in recent days.
    — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of day
Noun
  • This past season, Thrun, a Harvard alum, appeared in 60 games, had 12 points, and averaged 17:31 of ice time.
    — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • At the time of the incident, Trump was in Washington, D.C., when Shaw allegedly drove what was described by law enforcement as a Mercedes van to the south gate of Mar-a-Lago shortly before 10 p.m. and parked along Southern Boulevard.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • While faster production seems easier for brief periods, maintaining speed and stability over a long period of time is harder.
    — John Clemons, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The movie spans a month or so in summer, which is a slow period in Jeanne’s career as a field claims adjuster, giving her the flexibility to deal with the children … for now.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of period
Noun
  • Eligibility is not based on age, economic condition or inability to drive an automobile.
    — Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • While baby boomers still represent a significant portion of luxury tourism spending, 80% of the market is below the age of 60, McKinsey says.
    — John Kell, Fortune, 10 July 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 21 Jul. 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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