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 This would leave some elements temporarily trapped in gaseous form, allowing more mixing and the simultaneous emergence of multiple minerals. Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026 Over time, the concept evolved to include mental processes needed to focus, concentrate, and pay attention when challenged by multiple simultaneous sources of information to weigh options and make informed decisions as opposed to impulsive ones. Anand Kumar, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026 The show launched had a simultaneous release on Canal+ across over 30 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia last year – marking the group’s first multi-continental launch. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026 Des Plaines, Northbrook, and Wilmette assisted with multiple other simultaneous emergency responses in Morton Grove. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous
Adjective
  • He was also sentenced to a concurrent five-year term for tampering with physical evidence.
    Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • That changed in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced people inside and online, leading to a spike in streaming viewership — and a concurrent rise in discussion on Letterboxd.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If viable, Bloostar will be able to lift a 308-lb (140-kg) payload into a 125-mile (200-km) low-Earth orbit, or 165 lb (75 kg) to a 375-mile (600-km) Sun-synchronous orbit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This synchronous tidal locking is not a special relationship between the Earth and Moon, though.
    Ray Petelin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.

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