contemporary 1 of 2

Definition of contemporarynext

contemporary

2 of 2

noun

as in companion
a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were exact contemporaries, actually being born on the same day in 1809

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contemporary differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemporary are coeval, coincident, contemporaneous, simultaneous, and synchronous. While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

When is coeval a more appropriate choice than contemporary?

In some situations, the words coeval and contemporary are roughly equivalent. However, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

When could coincident be used to replace contemporary?

The words coincident and contemporary can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can contemporaneous take the place of contemporary?

While the synonyms contemporaneous and contemporary are close in meaning, contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

When is it sensible to use simultaneous instead of contemporary?

The meanings of simultaneous and contemporary largely overlap; however, simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time.

the two shots were simultaneous

Where would synchronous be a reasonable alternative to contemporary?

The synonyms synchronous and contemporary 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 contemporary
Adjective
Black polka dots of varying sizes make the nails feel like mini canvases of contemporary art. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 May 2026 Opened in 2019 after years of anticipation surrounding Downtown Commons, Solomon’s debuted as a contemporary Jewish deli and bagel shop before cycling through multiple reinventions, including Solomon’s Vinyl Diner under new ownership in 2023. Reeti Malhotra may 22, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
In contrast to contemporaries like Mary Quant, whose miniskirts signaled youth and rebellion, Courrèges’ approach was rooted in utility. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 The Bronze Age cemetery likely held highborn warriors, contemporaries of Ulysses, but perhaps a queenly mother lay among them. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemporary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemporary
Adjective
  • TheBurntPeanut is the #1 Twitch streamer and gaming personality, with more than three million followers, 300 million views and over 150,000 peak concurrent viewers across platforms including YouTube and Twitch.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 May 2026
  • Murdaugh is also serving a concurrent 40-year sentence for his federal conviction on 22 charges that included bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by the design of classic tuxedo shirts, this modern twist has a cropped fit, pintucked front details, and button cuffs.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • The companion later tested negative, officials said.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • There are three primary reasons to plant basil with companion plants.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 16 May 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
  • And across all networks, just six new shows bow in the fall — with most waiting for post-football homes.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Winston makes a cameo to execute another electric Ford Field trick play, and the Giants lose a close one with their offense starting to find a new gear.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Talking trash is less of an accompaniment and more of a psychological tactic.
    Terrance Moore, New York Times, 9 May 2026
  • This zesty salad, complete with melon, feta, and a jalapeño pepper dresses, will be the perfect accompaniment to your cookout.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The event takes place around the Elkmont Campground, one of the best places to see the synchronous sparkles in the Smokies.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • Unlike other parks that offer synchronous firefly viewings, Grandfather Glows tickets are per individual, not car.
    Eva Flowe May 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • As the counterpart to the Triple White colorway, the Triple Black Air Force 1 is simultaneously held up as a classic and described as a go-to for nefarious characters.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 May 2026
  • In many ways, the Cult Gaia man exists as a counterpart to the Cult Gaia woman.
    Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contemporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemporary. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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