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

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 Pulling off a simultaneous cauldron lighting 250 miles apart. Laura Saravia, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 Last month's selection of Bad Bunny as the official performer for Super Bowl LX's halftime show ignited a cultural debate, with TPUSA launching a simultaneous alternative event in protest. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025 Keith Stewart, a former US naval aviator, noted that the Fujian’s deck layout limits simultaneous takeoffs and landings. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025 Housing materials in artistic practice are fitting for an environment that is constantly under simultaneous construction and degradation, with sea levels continuing to rise, potholes throughout the city and as our own infrastructure buckles under the weight of an ever growing population. Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • The festival takes place across multiple London venues from November 4 to 8, concurrent with the Paris edition.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This concurrent design and verification approach allows the bulk of errors to be caught when fixes are faster and less disruptive.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Williams also praised the chair for its slim profile, synchronous tilt, and adjustable lumbar support that make the seat suitable for long working hours.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025
  • One way to do this is by building devices called synchronous condensers, which include a rotating hunk of metal that can spin without fossil-fuel combustion.
    Julian Spector, Wired News, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Regional banks bounced a bit, still down a couple percent on the week, as Thursday’s flush lower amid a few separate but coincident credit hiccups exacerbated underlying unease with the opaque and possibly lax lending across private credit and among smaller commercial banks.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The coincident new Moon contributes no light pollution, making 2025 ideal for Orionid viewing.
    Big Think, Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on simultaneous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!