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Definitions

epochal

[ep-uh-kuhl, ee-po-] / ˈɛp ə kəl, ˈi pɒ- /
ADJECTIVE
momentous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
consequential crucial decisive eventful far-reaching fateful historic meaningful memorable notable pivotal significant weighty
WEAK
big chips are down considerable critical earth-shaking earth-shattering grave heavy heavy number material of moment outstanding substantial vital
Antonyms
STRONGEST
inconsequential insignificant meaningless ordinary trivial uneventful unimportant unnoteworthy unremarkable unsubstantial
WEAK
immaterial trifling
ADJECTIVE
pivotal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
central climactic critical crucial decisive essential momentous vital
WEAK
cardinal determining focal middle overriding overruling principal ruling
Antonyms
STRONGEST
inessential minor secondary trivial uncritical unimportant
WEAK
inconsequential unsubstantial

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Going much further back, oil prices also rocketed during the epochal crisis of World War II in the 1940s.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

In the immediate aftermath of that epochal event, McCartney retreated to a 183-acre sheep farm on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyllshire, Scotland, with his wife Linda and their young family.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

"It feels like an epochal moment, and it also feels extraordinarily terrifying."

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

The scientists of the Manhattan Project, who helped build the bomb and then witnessed Trinity’s fireball, recognized—felt—its epochal shudder.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

Lieutenant Scheisskopf unveiled his epochal surprise that Sunday with all the aplomb of an experienced impresario.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing epochal

This Week in Words: September 8 - 14, 2018

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This Week in Words: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018

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The Princess Bride

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