adjective
synchronous
SING-kruh-nuhs
Synchronous (adjective) means happening or done at the same time as something else. Example: “The two clocks are kept synchronous to within a millisecond.”
adjective
1
Happening or done at the same time as something else.
"The two clocks are kept synchronous to within a millisecond."
"Synchronous movement across the whole team is what wins the rowing race."
2
Of teaching, meetings or work: taking place live, with everyone present at the same moment.
"The course mixes synchronous seminars with recorded lectures you watch in your own time."
"Our team keeps synchronous hours between ten and three so we can meet."
3
technical In computing, describing an operation that blocks whatever called it until the operation has finished.
"A synchronous read will freeze the interface until the file loads."
How to use synchronous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening at the same time, or live rather than recorded.
When to use it
Neutral, though most common in education, engineering and software.
Memory tip
In education and remote work, 'synchronous' almost always just means live.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
asynchronous →
synchronised
Common pairings
synchronous learning
synchronous communication
synchronous motor
synchronous and asynchronous
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The two clocks are kept _____ to within a millisecond.
Etymology
From Greek syn- 'together' and chronos 'time', via Late Latin synchronus.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for synchronous
See all rhymes for synchronous →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?
Synchronous learning happens live, with students and teacher together at a set time in a classroom or video call. Asynchronous learning is done whenever the student chooses, using recordings, readings and posted assignments, so there is no fixed meeting.
How do you pronounce synchronous?
Three syllables with the stress on the first: SING-kruh-nuhs. The ch is a hard k sound, as in the related word synchronise.
What is the meaning of synchronous?
"synchronous" (adjective) means happening or done at the same time as something else.
What is another word for synchronous?
Other words for "synchronous" include simultaneous, concurrent, coinciding, in step, synchronal, synchronic.
