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 closed bipolar cell allowed simultaneous oxidation at one end and reduction at the other, enabling wireless actuation. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026 In April, fans will have two opportunities to watch along live as BTS performs on stage, with simultaneous screenings of one of the concerts in Goyang and a concert in Tokyo slated to screen in theaters. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026 The election had a dual mandate, with the party election as well as a simultaneous referendum to approve a process for a new constitution approved by 60 percent voters. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, Latin American politics underwent two simultaneous and opposing movements. Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • Saylor on Friday imposed a sentence of 12 months concurrent imprisonment on each charge in the newer case, with 11 months to be served concurrently with Tran’s sentence on the last trial and one month consecutive.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The college has enrolled 3,412 high school students in concurrent credit classes, according to the release.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s an underground river in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and synchronous fireflies to see in the Smokies.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Are there any drawbacks to a sun-synchronous orbit?
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • Regional banks bounced a bit, still down a couple percent on the week, as Thursday’s flush lower amid a few separate but coincident credit hiccups exacerbated underlying unease with the opaque and possibly lax lending across private credit and among smaller commercial banks.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The coincident new Moon contributes no light pollution, making 2025 ideal for Orionid viewing.
    Big Think, Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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