SIMULTANEOUS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

simultaneous

adjective

ˌsī-məl-ˈtā-nē-əs

Definition of simultaneous

as in concurrent

existing or occurring at the same period of time a simultaneous release of the movie and its soundtrack on CD

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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 As per usual, the Artios Awards will be presented during simultaneous ceremonies at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, the Edison Ballroom in New York City and One Moorgate Place in London. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 27 July 2026 Less noticed, but fundamentally important, is a simultaneous number of government announcements of new regulatory actions. — Robert Greifeld, CNBC, 27 July 2026 The subscription covers unlimited simultaneous device connections, so one account works across phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs without restriction. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 The simultaneous disruption of several transportation routes, including energy, shipping and air cargo, is expected to increase global inflation and put key world economies at risk of stagflation. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous

Adjective

Those and lesser sentences on his other counts will run concurrent with one another, for a total 15-year prison sentence, the judge said.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Ramirez’s temporary leave of absence and concurrent explanation take place on the heels of other more obfuscated medical leaves that have unfolded this summer.

— Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of concurrent

Adjective

Satellites operating in sun-synchronous orbit receive steady solar energy, providing a consistent power source without depending on Earth’s electrical grid.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
The three-stage rocket is designed to deliver a payload of up to 1,300 kg to a Sun-synchronous orbit.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

Definition of synchronous

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

Definition of coincident

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simulations

simultaneous

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“Simultaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/simultaneous. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of simultaneous

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