Definition of simultaneousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective simultaneous differ from other similar words?

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

the two shots were simultaneous

When can coeval be used instead of simultaneous?

Although the words coeval and simultaneous have much in common, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

In what contexts can coincident take the place of simultaneous?

In some situations, the words coincident and simultaneous are roughly equivalent. 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 is it sensible to use contemporaneous instead of simultaneous?

The words contemporaneous and simultaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

Where would contemporary be a reasonable alternative to simultaneous?

The meanings of contemporary and simultaneous largely overlap; however, contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

When might synchronous be a better fit than simultaneous?

The synonyms synchronous and simultaneous are sometimes interchangeable, but synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals.

synchronous timepieces

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 simultaneous Professional equestrian Zara then greeted Queen Camilla with a simultaneous curtsy and cheek kiss, while retired rugby pro Mike, 48, wrapped an arm around King Charles. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 New York — Kevin Warsh’s dream of becoming Federal Reserve chairman was nearly tarnished by the specter of having to confront simultaneous and conflicting challenges brewing in the US economy. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 This bezel-free screen supports HDR10 depth over a billion colors and displays two simultaneous device inputs using side-by-side split-screen processing. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026 Both new interfaces include USB OTG connectivity for direct use with smartphones and tablets, as well as stereo loopback with three channels, offering simultaneous capture of system audio and microphone input. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • Destiny 2 just maintained over 100,000 concurrent Steam players for just under two weeks since the launch of Monument of Triumph, the final update of the game.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Mansfield is currently serving a life sentence in California and four concurrent life sentences in Florida in connection with the murders of five women and girls between 1975 and 1980.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • And every spring, thousands of people throw their names into a lottery for a chance to witness synchronous fireflies in the Smokies.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Additional features include dual-cylinder synchronous jacking technology designed to improve climbing and tower-extension safety, along with an intelligent digital control system that monitors operations throughout the crane’s lifecycle.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • For his last runway collection, unveiled in September, Michele constructed a parallel universe of side-by-side shows separated by a wall that when lifted revealed twins in identical looks in synchronic stride.
    Colleen Barry, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Accelerating human evolution coincident with the development of agriculture increased redheadedness and decreased male-pattern baldness.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • In a separate announcement, but with coincident timing, WestJet also announced a stopover plan in Calgary.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on simultaneous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster