SIMULTANEOUS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

simultaneous

adjective

ˌsī-məl-ˈtā-nē-əs

Definition of simultaneous

as in concurrent

existing or occurring at the same period of time a simultaneous release of the movie and its soundtrack on CD

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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 Memoirs proceeds from there with that simultaneous posture of high-minded openness and a childish giggle. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 This year’s Carte Blanche collection centers on the simultaneous similarities and differences that make up humanity. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 That’s pretty impressive, for a sport that only became possible thanks to simultaneous advances in several technologies. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026 Bond market turmoil and the simultaneous mass student protests at French schools are not a coincidence and point to the generational tradeoffs made in government spending, according to Nobel laureate Paul Krugman. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous

Adjective

Player count peaked at 115,145 concurrent players during the beta, so server demand is expected to be high at launch.

— Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
At his April 16, 2013, resentencing, Stoltz imposed a combination of consecutive, concurrent and stayed sentences, reducing his prison term to 50 years.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of concurrent

Adjective

The 1,500-watt permanent-magnet synchronous spindle runs up to 24,000 rpm and, according to ToolDance, delivers more torque at low speeds than the induction motors used in most other machines – exactly what steel and titanium demand.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
The rideshare mission, known as Transporter-18, carried 130 payloads into a polar Sun-synchronous orbit.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of synchronous

Adjective

All this was happening with a coincident and successful assault of affirmative action in higher education.

— Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Accelerating human evolution coincident with the development of agriculture increased redheadedness and decreased male-pattern baldness.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of coincident

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simultaneous

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“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of simultaneous

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