synchronous

adjective

syn·​chro·​nous ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs How to pronounce synchronous (audio)
ˈsin-
1
: happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2
: recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3
: involving or indicating synchronism
4
a
: having the same period
also : having the same period and phase
5
: of, used in, or being digital communication (as between computers) in which a common timing signal is established that dictates when individual bits can be transmitted and which allows for very high rates of data transfer
synchronously adverb
synchronousness noun

Did you know?

Communications satellites are usually put into a synchronous (or geosynchronous) orbit, circling the earth once every 24 hours and so appearing to hover over a single spot on the surface. This type of synchronized movement is important, since you have to know where to aim your satellite dish. In the computer field, synchronous usually refers to the use of a simple timing signal that permits very rapid exchange of data between computers. The kind of mysterious coincidence sometimes called synchronicity—such as the appearance of two different comic-strip characters named Dennis the Menace in the U.S. and Britain within three days of each other in 1951—has fascinated people for centuries.

Choose the Right Synonym for synchronous

contemporary, contemporaneous, coeval, synchronous, simultaneous, coincident mean existing or occurring at the same time.

contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals.

synchronous timepieces

simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time.

the two shots were simultaneous

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

Examples of synchronous in a Sentence

the synchronous arrival of a baby sister and loss of a beloved grandmother strongly affected the child
Recent Examples on the Web Such a condenser is essentially a large synchronous machine that spins freely; however, a flywheel connected to its shaft can store kinetic energy. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2023 Now, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a time and place for synchronous meetings and live events. Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 Franklin Township Community Schools Virtual synchronous elearning day Greenwood Community Schools No announcement. Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Jan. 2024 The accredited community college brings in professors from universities such as Vanderbilt, Princeton, and New York University to teach synchronous classes. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2024 Of course, like any world-famous wildlife phenomenon, the synchronous fireflies draw a huge crowd—meaning that visitors must first win a lottery ticket in order to visit. Jason Bittel, Travel, 22 Jan. 2024 Those watches, and today’s watches, used a kind of synchronous direct-current stepper motor called a Lavet motor, invented in 1936 by Marius Lavet, a French engineer. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Nov. 2023 And according to its 2023-2024 virtual instruction plan, Prince George’s County Public Schools plans to offer synchronous virtual learning on inclement weather days. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023 The key is having employees commute to the office only for the activities that can be most productively completed there, such as intense synchronous collaboration, nuanced conversations, socializing, team bonding, and on-the-job training and mentoring. Gleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synchronous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin synchronos "contemporary," borrowed from Greek sýnchronos "existing at the same time," from syn- syn- + -chronos, adjective derivative of chrónos "time, duration," of obscure origin

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synchronous was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near synchronous

Cite this Entry

“Synchronous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synchronous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

synchronous

adjective
syn·​chro·​nous ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs How to pronounce synchronous (audio)
ˈsin-
: happening or existing at the same time : simultaneous
Etymology

from Latin synchronos "synchronous," from Greek synchronos (same meaning), from syn- "together, along with" and chronos "time" — related to chronicle, synonymous

Medical Definition

synchronous

adjective
syn·​chro·​nous ˈsiŋ-krə-nəs, ˈsin- How to pronounce synchronous (audio)
1
: happening, existing, or arising at precisely the same time
2
: recurring or operating at exactly the same periods
3
: having the same period
also : having the same period and phase
synchronously adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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