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 According to sources, confronting the unit directly would require the simultaneous deployment of at least four army brigades. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 Her operational philosophy embraces simultaneous pursuits across multiple verticals. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 The slogan makes three simultaneous arguments. Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026 However, those methods did not promote simultaneous healing, offering indisputably superior value for patients via a single, minimally invasive procedure. New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • This year’s screenings will take place February 22 to 27 and will again run concurrent with the new MIP London.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
  • His prison sentences ran concurrent with each other.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • So instead, to keep costs down and power up, the Starcloud satellite flies what is known as a dawn-dusk sun-synchronous orbit, circling the planet at a near vertical 83° angle that carries it over the poles and keeps it almost constantly exposed to the sun.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Christina School District has moved to all schools to synchronous remote learning Monday in anticipation of the heavy traffic.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 5 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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!