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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The difference between synchronous between asynchronous learning A synchronous learning day means that the virtual learning still has a live element to it. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 Online students can take advantage of synchronous opportunities to build community with their instructors and peers. Doug Wintemute, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 The synchronous communication fosters real-time interactions, which can help enhance customer loyalty. Lesley Gao, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Seeing synchronous fireflies is a rare, ephemeral treat. Pien Huang, NPR, 26 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for synchronous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for synchronous
Adjective
  • The website adds that the service will still include 100+ channels, unlimited DVR storage to record shows and movies, up to 6 accounts per household, and 3 concurrent streams.
    Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024
  • That's about average, but BritBox notably supports five concurrent streams per account.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • With a lockable synchronic-tilt mechanism and special Z-Shape design, the Kaiser 2 can accommodate a weight up to 180kg, quite a bit more than normal mechanisms on office chairs and the back can be reclined to an angle of 160 degrees which can be locked when not in rocking mode.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021
  • 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
  • The timing of these changes were roughly coincident with clarification of Information Blocking rules and Epic’s introduction of its own competing product.
    Seth Joseph, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
  • Another suggestion is that there were two more or less coincident eruptions, one each in northern and southern hemispheres.
    Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2011
Adjective
  • These waves are steady and simultaneous oscillations of electrical voltage in the cortex that happen during deep sleep.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Mangione matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania after high school, majoring in computer science for his bachelor’s degree and computer and information sciences in a simultaneous master’s, according to a university spokesperson.
    Jean Marbella, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near synchronous

Cite this Entry

“Synchronous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synchronous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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