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 The windstorm had also fueled five simultaneous megafires in Oregon, damaging 4,000 homes, schools and stores, killing several people, placing 10 percent of Oregon residents under an evacuation order and incinerating more of the Oregon Cascades than had burned in the previous 36 years combined. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 Since the end of last year, UniCredit has been divided between two potential hostile acquisition fronts, also facing opposition for its simultaneous takeover offer for Italy’s Banco BPM. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 11 June 2025 Why, then, engage language at all? Lijn explained her simultaneous recruitment and dissolution of language as a way to cope with her growing sense that words had become tired and lost any vital force. Marina Isgro, Artforum, 1 June 2025 Thanks, perhaps, to Mark Twain, who perfected the simultaneous disdain for and fascination with French culture that now typifies the American attitude. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • This is much bigger, with 20,000+ attendees, many concurrent sessions, and hundreds of sponsors and booths.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • But other major retailers like Best Buy and Target usually hold concurrent sales during Prime-exclusive sales events.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The sheer number of DNA shifts that must have occurred in rapid succession to create this synchronous outcome also reflects the strong pressure horses were likely under to become fast and tireless.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The key lies in a fast oscillating sheet known as a diffuser, onto which synchronous images are projected at high speed (2,880 images per second) and at different heights; human persistence of vision ensures that these images are perceived as true 3D objects.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on simultaneous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!