SYNCHRONOUS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'synchronous' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of synchronous are coeval , coincident , contemporaneous , contemporary , and simultaneous . While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals. // synchronous timepieces

Q: When can 'coeval' be used instead of 'synchronous'?

The words coeval and synchronous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons. // two stars thought to be coeval

Q: In what contexts can 'coincident' take the place of 'synchronous'?

The meanings of coincident and synchronous largely overlap; however, coincident is applied to events and may be used in order to avoid implication of causal relationship. // the end of World War II was coincident with a great vintage year

Q: When might 'contemporaneous' be a better fit than 'synchronous'?

In some situations, the words contemporaneous and synchronous are roughly equivalent. However, contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people. // contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contemporary' instead of 'synchronous'?

The synonyms contemporary and synchronous are sometimes interchangeable, but contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them. // Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

Q: Where would 'simultaneous' be a reasonable alternative to 'synchronous'?

Although the words simultaneous and synchronous have much in common, simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time. // the two shots were simultaneous

synchronous

adjective

ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs

Definition of synchronous next

as in concurrent

existing or occurring at the same period of time the synchronous arrival of a baby sister and loss of a beloved grandmother strongly affected the child

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How does the adjective synchronous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of synchronous are coeval, coincident, contemporaneous, contemporary, and simultaneous. While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals.

synchronous timepieces

When can coeval be used instead of synchronous?

The words coeval and synchronous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

In what contexts can coincident take the place of synchronous?

The meanings of coincident and synchronous largely overlap; however, coincident is applied to events and may be used in order to avoid implication of causal relationship.

the end of World War II was coincident with a great vintage year

When might contemporaneous be a better fit than synchronous?

In some situations, the words contemporaneous and synchronous are roughly equivalent. However, contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

When is it sensible to use contemporary instead of synchronous?

The synonyms contemporary and synchronous are sometimes interchangeable, but contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

Where would simultaneous be a reasonable alternative to synchronous?

Although the words simultaneous and synchronous have much in common, simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time.

the two shots were simultaneous

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 synchronous Captions must be accurate, synchronous with audio, complete and properly placed. —

Toby Wong, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Protecting endangered fireflies for the future The synchronous fireflies at Congaree was a local secret for a long time. —

Pien Huang, NPR, 26 May 2024 In contrast, with synchronous generators the output waveform is determined by the physical and electrical characteristics of the generator. —

Benjamin Kroposki, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Apr. 2024 More than half the day has to be live in order for it to be considered synchronous. —

Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for synchronous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synchronous

Adjective

The latest Short Term Energy Outlook estimates that production outside of OPEC+ will be up about 1.6 million barrels per day in 2025 with concurrent demand only up about 1.2 million barrels per day.

— Bryce Erickson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Waning investor confidence in the U.K. was particularly highlighted by a concurrent fall in sterling, which on Friday hit its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since November 2023.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025