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 While all this is happening, Ravi passes out, because this is an episode with a constant barrage of simultaneous crises. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 Ibiza implemented a limit of two simultaneous cruise ship dockings (down from three) in October 2024. Jessica Benavides Canepa, AFAR Media, 17 Apr. 2025 Concerns remain about potential stagflation – simultaneous high inflation and slow growth – due to trade tensions and tariffs. Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 In 2024, All Things Go added a simultaneous weekend in New York. Taylor Mims, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • Fellow attackers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli had also suffered concurrent hamstring issues.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • The letter was sent concurrent with the CMA releasing its full schedule of key dates for the 2025 CMA Awards, CMA Broadcast Awards, CMA Touring Awards, CMA International Awards, and CMA Industry Honors.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Set clear deadlines for collecting input and making decisions, create inclusive input-gathering mechanisms (e.g., identifiable and anonymous, synchronous and asynchronous, verbal and written), and plan decision and decision-assessment communication to foster accountability and manage expectations.
    Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In such systems, provisioning large workloads with synchronous processing and very low latency requirements can be challenging.
    Ravi Laudya, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With a lockable synchronic-tilt mechanism and special Z-Shape design, the Kaiser 2 can accommodate a weight up to 180kg, quite a bit more than normal mechanisms on office chairs and the back can be reclined to an angle of 160 degrees which can be locked when not in rocking mode.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021
  • 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
  • The timing of these changes were roughly coincident with clarification of Information Blocking rules and Epic’s introduction of its own competing product.
    Seth Joseph, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
  • Another suggestion is that there were two more or less coincident eruptions, one each in northern and southern hemispheres.
    Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2011

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Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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