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 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 paleontologists determined the cub to be 35,000 to 37,000 years old − from the late Pleistocene epoch, more commonly known as the Ice Age, Lopatin said. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 In the epoch of artificial intelligence (AI), the demand for real-time decision-making and data-processing applications is rapidly increasing. Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 This revelation constrains modern understanding of the Pleistocene sea level fluctuations during an epoch of lower carbon dioxide concentrations, the cyclic glaciation and deglaciation periods, ecosystem recovery, and the transition between warming and cooling periods. Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Written and directed by Mamoru Oshii and based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, the film sits at the center of a Venn diagram of several cultural epochs. Dan Schindel, Vulture, 21 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for epoch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epoch
Noun
  • Dodgers beat Yankees to win another World Series, cement ‘golden era’ of franchise dominance Dodgers rally from an early five-run deficit to beat the Yankees 7-6 and secure their first full-season championship since 1988.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
  • But the era of De Beers being big enough to dominate diamond mining, processing, and marketing, has passed with the entry of new miners such as Rio Tinto and the dramatic improvement in synthetic stones which even a skilled jeweler finds hard to tell apart from natural gems.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Longtime fans voiced their unhappiness, so now the series will air on the Hallmark Channel after all and stream the next day on Hallmark+.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Any positive glow disappeared two days later, when Carter fired five of his top officials, including the Energy, Treasury and Transportation secretaries and his attorney general.
    Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Get The Recipe Tomato Aspic There was once a time when the tomato aspic was the highlight of luncheon buffets.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Eight years is not enough time to draw definitive conclusions, according to scientists.
    Jack Prator, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period.
    Jacquelyn Lobel, Vox, 19 Dec. 2024
  • During this period, the New Zealander managed to score points in two of the six outings, contributing to the team’s eventual eighth-place finish in the standings.
    Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • However, President-elect Donald Trump will soon tie that record on Jan. 20, 2025, when he is sworn in at age 78.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Dec. 2024
  • From an early age, children are taught about the importance of telling the truth.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Epoch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epoch. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

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