Definition of simultaneousnext

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 Ten simultaneous connections cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Google Chrome, so phones, laptops, and tablets stay protected under one account. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 12 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 This simultaneous rise of the Greens and Reform could fracture Britain’s political landscape, in which the first-past-the-post electoral system typically favors two or three major parties. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 So the idea was having Bernadette really be the mastermind of John’s upbringing as a way to provide a simultaneous salve for her husband’s shame about being afraid about losing out on the opportunity. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • The screenings run concurrent with the BBC Studios Showcase in London but no longer with MIP London, which is ending as MIP instead launches a London Book Fair event a few weeks later.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Mackenzie Shirilla is serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life for killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, 19, in a 2022 crash in Strongsville, Ohio, Fox News Digital previously reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The rideshare mission, known as Transporter-18, carried 130 payloads into a polar Sun-synchronous orbit.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Amanda Kocon, Edmentum's chief strategy and operating officer, said the interface looks like an online college course where students work through activities and videos, with options for synchronous instruction through video calls and office hours.
    — Lucy Tobier, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2026
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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