contemporary 1 of 2

Definition of contemporarynext

contemporary

2 of 2

noun

as in companion
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contemporary differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemporary are coeval, coincident, contemporaneous, simultaneous, and synchronous. While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

When is coeval a more appropriate choice than contemporary?

In some situations, the words coeval and contemporary are roughly equivalent. However, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

When could coincident be used to replace contemporary?

The words coincident and contemporary can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can contemporaneous take the place of contemporary?

While the synonyms contemporaneous and contemporary are close in meaning, contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

When is it sensible to use simultaneous instead of contemporary?

The meanings of simultaneous and contemporary largely overlap; however, simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time.

the two shots were simultaneous

Where would synchronous be a reasonable alternative to contemporary?

The synonyms synchronous and contemporary 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 contemporary
Adjective
There’s an array of prestigious private contemporary houses neighboring the resort, furnished in modern style. Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The Hirshhorn is sending modern and contemporary art to every state, and the Folklife Festival is traveling cross-country, partnering with regional events across America. Lonnie G. Bunch Iii, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
Noun
Much like their 1990s grunge and alt-rock contemporaries in America, Canada’s Our Lady Peace were writing and recording murky, sorrowful songs about youthful frustration and adult rage, love lost and societal alienation. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2026 Prescient contemporaries saw the 1772 partition as a grave assault on the international order. David Armitage, Washington Post, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemporary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemporary
Adjective
  • Missouri would be the only state in the country with such a requirement, often called a concurrent majority, according to a list of state ballot measure rules compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • Separate from the murder case, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes and remains behind bars on concurrent state and federal sentences of 27 and 40 years.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Given modern advances, many organizations are turning towards auto-triaging by AI services and other digital tools to help ease the burden for physicians.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • One non-negotiable of the modern footballer is good coffee.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The companion app can then further the shame by generating reports that highlight your strengths and weaknesses, suggesting areas that might need some work.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2026
  • The volume is then entrusted to the Rat Queen and her companions, who battle the Rat Reaperess—death herself, a Grim Reaper in a rat head and showgirl bodysuit, who appears onstage each night armed with a scythe.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 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
  • Mask ban for law enforcement officers, criminal records sealing and tenant protections are among a host of new measures taking effect.
    Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 30 June 2026
  • In the videos, women share their transformations in which their post-divorce selves are often fitter, with clearer skin and a new wardrobe.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • And asked ourselves what are other things that feel like good accompaniments to a horror game?
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Then the other part of it was really kind of finished with Niwel’s beautiful harmonic accompaniment.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • And every spring, thousands of people throw their names into a lottery for a chance to witness synchronous fireflies in the Smokies.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Additional features include dual-cylinder synchronous jacking technology designed to improve climbing and tower-extension safety, along with an intelligent digital control system that monitors operations throughout the crane’s lifecycle.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • After recently joining the brand ambassadorship craze by naming Spanish music sensation Bad Gyal as their brand’s first ambassador, the Dsquared2 founders are adding a male counterpart to this new strategy by tapping another local talent.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Unlike larger corporate counterparts, SMEs don't always have the financial reserves to comfortably absorb geopolitical upheaval and rapid inflation.
    Rupert Lee-Browne, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contemporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemporary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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