synchronize

verb

syn·​chro·​nize ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz How to pronounce synchronize (audio)
ˈsin-
synchronized; synchronizing

intransitive verb

: to happen at the same time

transitive verb

1
: to represent or arrange (events) to indicate coincidence or coexistence
2
: to make synchronous in operation
3
: to make (motion-picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action
synchronizer noun

Examples of synchronize in a Sentence

The dancers practiced until they synchronized their movements. The sound and picture have to synchronize perfectly.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to research led by Chris Goldfinger, a marine geologist at Oregon State University, the Cascadia subduction zone and the San Andreas fault could be synchronized—meaning that earthquakes on one fault could lead to seismic events on the other. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Meng Wei, a marine geologist and geophysicist at the University of Rhode Island, says the idea that fault systems near each other could synchronize has been floating around for years and has been seen at smaller fault boundaries over short periods. Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 2025 By synchronizing the times buses arrive at the hub, the system will allow passengers to easily catch the next bus. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Sep. 2025 So the magnetic field has to stay synchronized with the increasing mass of the particle, ramping up in strength as the particle whips around. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synchronize

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1624, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of synchronize was circa 1624

Cite this Entry

“Synchronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synchronize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

synchronize

verb
syn·​chro·​nize ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz How to pronounce synchronize (audio)
ˈsin-
synchronized; synchronizing
: to cause to agree in time
synchronize your watches

More from Merriam-Webster on synchronize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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