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 next

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 The genre is currently experiencing simultaneous ups and downs, with some shows soaring in viewership while swaths of others are losing viewers or being cancelled. —

Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026 Jury deliberations in Los Angeles were simultaneous with those in New Mexico. —

Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 The bombardment marks the start of Russia’s spring offensive, with simultaneous attacks along the frontline attempting to break through Ukrainian defensive positions. —

Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 The arson and assaults in four Nablus-area villages yesterday came a day after the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported simultaneous attacks in at least six communities overnight — the latest spate of violence in the occupied West Bank. —

Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for simultaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for simultaneous

Adjective

And even then, states hold concurrent authority to regulate federal elections.

— John J. Martin, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
Stiles explained that the greatest benefit his team is currently seeing from the technology isn’t in product ideation but in reducing handoffs between steps, which enables more concurrent development time.

— Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Definition of concurrent

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simulations

simultaneous

simultaneously

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

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Synonyms of simultaneous

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