synchronous
Occurring at the same time or operating in unison
Examples
In a meeting
“We need synchronous communication for this crisis response, not emails that get read hours later.”
Over coffee
“It's easier when our schedules are synchronous so we can actually hang out together.”
Why this word
simultaneous
Synchronous means occurring at the same time in coordinated fashion, while simultaneous just means at the same time without implying coordination
concurrent
Synchronous emphasizes things happening in time-coordinated or locked manner, while concurrent means overlapping in time
live
Synchronous technically means time-coordinated occurrence, while live informally means happening now
Usage tip
Use when emphasizing real-time coordination or simultaneous action, especially contrasting with asynchronous work
Etymology
Greek syn- (together) + chronos (time)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
align
To bring into agreement or proper coordination with something else.
overlap
To have parts that coincide or cover the same area
synchronize
Make things happen at the same time or work together
chronological
Arranged in the order of time; following the sequence of events
prospective
Expected or likely to happen or become something in the future; potential
orchestrate
To arrange or coordinate elements of a situation to produce a desired effect