synchronicity

noun

syn·​chro·​nic·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈni-sə-tē 

ˌsin-

plural synchronicities

1

: the quality or fact of being synchronous

2

: the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (such as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality

—used especially in the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung

Did you know?

"It happens to everyone sooner or later: A certain number pops up wherever you go; an old friend you haven't seen in 20 years since high school appears the same day you're looking at her picture in a yearbook; you're singing a song and turn on the radio—and the same song is playing." Such coincidences, here described by Thomas Ropp in The Arizona Republic, March 29,1999, are examples of synchronicity. The concept is linked to the psychology of Carl Jung. Jung didn't coin the word (the "simultaneousness" sense of synchronicity was already in use), but he gave it special importance in his writings. Jung believed that such "meaningful coincidences" play an important role in our lives. Today, some people even look to synchronicities for spiritual guidance.

Examples of synchronicity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the opposite of synchronicity. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025

This is the energy that can attract collaborations, flirtations, and fun little synchronicities that leave you smiling. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 24 Aug. 2025

Uncover Hidden Synchronicities The best unconventional collaborations come when brands are able to uncover hidden synchronicities that make the pairing feel fun and intentional. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Three descendants of one of those original colonies were startled by the whir of Captain Brett’s fan motor and, with Busby Berkeley synchronicity, dived from the bank into the muddy water. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synchronicity

• authenticity
• chromaticity
• concentricity
• domesticity
• eccentricity
• elasticity
• electricity
• iconicity
• metallicity
• multiplicity
• specificity
• analyticity

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Medical Definition

synchronicity

noun

syn·​chro·​nic·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈnis-ət-ē, ˌsin- 

plural synchronicities

: the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality

—used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung