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 Worked for major corporations managing more than 40 simultaneous projects and 32 staff. Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025 The current system assumes the vice president will be available and capable, but simultaneous incapacity of both officials remains possible. Lynn Schmidt, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 On New Year’s Day, two former Fort Bragg soldiers whose tours in Afghanistan had overlapped committed separate but nearly simultaneous acts of domestic terrorism. Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 The tournament will bring 54 players to compete in simultaneous individual and team competition at Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling course. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • The concurrent efforts in testing, sustainment preparation and infrastructure investments clearly illustrate our commitment to providing unmatched capabilities to deter and defeat threats well into the future.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Marking the second Worlds Collide featuring talent from WWE and AAA, the broadcast from the Cox Pavilion at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas pushed past its predecessor to eke out 773,000 live concurrent viewers — a record for the event, per the wrestling promotion.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Williams also praised the chair for its slim profile, synchronous tilt, and adjustable lumbar support that make the seat suitable for long working hours.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Shift from synchronous to asynchronous communication.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
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
  • 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
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
  • The tendency of policymakers to date has been to view the harms from internet platforms not as systemic, but as a series of coincident issues.
    Roger McNamee, Wired, 24 July 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

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