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

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 simultaneous Another 20 percent said the armed forces should be sufficient to win simultaneous conflicts against China and a smaller adversary, such as North Korea or Iran. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Focusing Solely On Speed Or Latency One common pitfall is focusing solely on speed or latency without enabling simultaneous processing and analysis of data streams. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 There’s also a simultaneous Mercury Retrograde playing out during the first half of December, which might throw your finances into a bit of temporary chaos, or perhaps a messy transitional state. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Nov. 2024 The transcript of this interview is of the simultaneous English translation of Angela Merkel's responses, which were in German. Erika Ryan, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for simultaneous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • The previous concurrent playercount record for Fortnite was 11.6 million for the Big Bang.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
  • Philo supports up to three concurrent streams, which is about average.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
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

Thesaurus Entries Near simultaneous

Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on simultaneous

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