Thesaurus results for EPOCH

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

epoch

noun

ˈe-pək

Definition of epoch

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

Relevance

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 Who’s to say international futbol isn’t ready to begrudgingly welcome a new epoch in the sport, and that is might be led by a host nation that proves itself a sleeping giant awakened? — Greg Cote june 22, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 General Motors Anderson sees design and human ingenuity falling into three main epochs, beginning with thousands of years of empirical design that saw creators largely mimicking nature, building and testing models, and advancing from there—slowly, expensively, and narrowly focused. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026 Other lines of circumstantial evidence also suggest shockingly large objects roamed the early epochs of our solar system. — Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski’s experimental period drama tracing the lives of four young women from four different epochs in rural East Germany, swept the German Film Awards, the Lolas, winning 10 Lolas including best film and best director for Schilinski. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for epoch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch

Noun

Jerry’s arrival ushered in one of the greatest eras in NBA history.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Once a fixture of the American experience, the custom of collectively huddling around the cathode-ray hearth has largely been supplanted by the isolationist practices of the smartphone era.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of era

Noun

This space used to be their home, where so many legendary moments took place, scenes that are replayed over and over on game days inside Yankee Stadium, the history of the team so essential to its appeal.

— Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Specifically designed with game day in mind, the private members areas and bars can be converted into viewing platforms so guests can watch from a lounge or be in the action and watch live from the stands.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of day

Noun

According to information provided to the court, that witness is expected to testify about coercive interrogation techniques and how memory becomes less reliable over time.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit marks the second time in six years that DePaul has been sued by a mental health provider that worked with the school’s athletes.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

The two countries usually hold field training exercises during the command post exercise period.

— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
That despite tumult and prolonged periods of poor form – having endured a terrible start and with the end of their league campaign similarly tailing off – Villa can find a way to win.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of period

Browse Nearby Words

epitomizing

epoch

epochal

See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

Style

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of epoch

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

The Words of the Week - June 7

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

divulge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of epoch

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to epoch

The Words of the Week - June 7

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on epoch

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

divulge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes