Definition of simultaneousnext

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 president’s grim statements are simultaneous with the dayslong funeral for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose coffin has been paraded across national borders accompanied by thousands of mourners. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026 Their simultaneous appearances come amid an ongoing rift between the brothers. Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 July 2026 The Mass, rich in velvet and gold-trimmed vestments, chanting and incense, was livestreamed on the society’s YouTube channel, with simultaneous explanations in several languages. Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 As the possible emergence of Marburg virus disease amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak shows, the presence of one outbreak does not preclude the simultaneous circulation of another. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • Pricing Shifts The expeditious pace of AI innovation is changing how organizations pay for technology at a concurrent rate.
    Jesse Stockall, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • However, a closer look at the data reveals that the uptick reflects a very low starting level and a concurrent drop on the far right.
    Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Most of the time, propulsion to the front wheels comes from a second electric motor, also connected to the eCVT; this permanent-magnet synchronous traction motor has an output of 203 hp (151 kW) and 201 lb-ft (272 Nm).
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • Synchronous fireflies Some North Carolina fireflies are synchronous, drawing large crowds to watch the tiny insects light up in unison.
    Eva Flowe July 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 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
  • Accelerating human evolution coincident with the development of agriculture increased redheadedness and decreased male-pattern baldness.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • In a separate announcement, but with coincident timing, WestJet also announced a stopover plan in Calgary.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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