as in companions
a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another
Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were exact contemporaries, actually being born on the same day in 1809
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Recent Examples of contemporaries
Lower freight rates made a dent in the top and bottom lines of CMA CGM and ZIM in the fourth quarter, following the trend experienced by container shipping contemporaries Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Unlike some of her contemporaries (say, Lauryn Hill), Missy never rejected or belittled explicit markers of femme subjectivity.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
The connection between Junior H and his followers has always transcended the usual artist-fan dynamic, and though his shows are far less frenetic than those of contemporaries Peso Pluma and Fuerza Regida, he’s built up a movement that’s anything but quiet.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026
See how the horny hockey show escaped the criticism and did what its contemporaries cannot.
—CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Now girls are logging 30 matches a season, constantly honing their skills and gaining strength – a prerequisite to merely keep pace with their contemporaries.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
Since learning about the value of the prints, Meyer has spent the past several years growing her own collection of etchings by Rembrandt, which now includes over 70 works, along with art from the master's predecessors, contemporaries, and followers.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
And although most of his contemporaries who have hit the three-quarter century mark are enjoying retirement or at least slowing their roll, the ZZ Top founding member raced into 2026 with plenty planned, including a gig Saturday at Variety Playhouse.
—Dave Gil De Rubio, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026
This is a director who’s grasping at bigger ideals than many of his contemporaries would even attempt.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Unlike some of her contemporaries (say, Lauryn Hill), Missy never rejected or belittled explicit markers of femme subjectivity.
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
The connection between Junior H and his followers has always transcended the usual artist-fan dynamic, and though his shows are far less frenetic than those of contemporaries Peso Pluma and Fuerza Regida, he’s built up a movement that’s anything but quiet.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026
See how the horny hockey show escaped the criticism and did what its contemporaries cannot.
—CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Now girls are logging 30 matches a season, constantly honing their skills and gaining strength – a prerequisite to merely keep pace with their contemporaries.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
Since learning about the value of the prints, Meyer has spent the past several years growing her own collection of etchings by Rembrandt, which now includes over 70 works, along with art from the master's predecessors, contemporaries, and followers.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
And although most of his contemporaries who have hit the three-quarter century mark are enjoying retirement or at least slowing their roll, the ZZ Top founding member raced into 2026 with plenty planned, including a gig Saturday at Variety Playhouse.
—Dave Gil De Rubio, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026
This is a director who’s grasping at bigger ideals than many of his contemporaries would even attempt.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemporaries
Noun
-
One-third of teens already prefer AI companions over humans for serious conversations, according to a 2025 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that helps families navigate age-appropriate media choices.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Torney suggests explaining that AI companions are designed to be engaging through constant validation and agreement.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The neck opening is slightly wider than some of its counterparts, which allows for better airflow amid warming temps.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Yields on France and Italy’s benchmark 10-year government bonds added 6 basis points, while their German and British counterparts saw yields rise by around 5 basis points.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,Holly Ellyatt,Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Yet given the power differential between China and Canada—or, for that matter, between China and any NATO ally other than the United States—such a partnership will not be among equals.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In the courtroom, Waldman has few equals.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The universal hatred comes from the child star’s coevals, whose curiosity about the occupation is mingled with resentment.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemporaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemporaries. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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