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

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

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 synchronous These collaborative activities across multiple trajectories can be both synchronous and asynchronous. — Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 The park is also debuting another attraction, the Nighttime Firefly Experience, a new year-round, immersive installation inspired by the Smoky Mountains’ rare synchronous fireflies. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 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 If viable, Bloostar will be able to lift a 308-lb (140-kg) payload into a 125-mile (200-km) low-Earth orbit, or 165 lb (75 kg) to a 375-mile (600-km) Sun-synchronous orbit. — New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for synchronous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synchronous

Adjective

Missouri would be the only state in the country with such a requirement, often called a concurrent majority, according to a list of state ballot measure rules compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Separate from the murder case, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes and remains behind bars on concurrent state and federal sentences of 27 and 40 years.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Definition of concurrent

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

Definition of coincident

Adjective

The combination remained effective because escaping both antibodies required multiple simultaneous mutations rather than a single genetic change.

— William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The Mass, rich in velvet and gold-trimmed vestments, chanting and incense, was livestreamed on the society’s YouTube channel, with simultaneous explanations in several languages.

— Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of simultaneous

Browse Nearby Words

synchronizing

synchronous

synchrony

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“Synchronous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synchronous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of synchronous

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