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

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."

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."

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 notes

In 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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The two clocks are kept _____ to within a millisecond.

Etymology

From Greek syn- 'together' and chronos 'time', via Late Latin synchronus.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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simultaneous concurrent coinciding in step

Antonyms

asynchronous

Related words

parallel consecutive agreeing simultaneous overlapping coincide asynchronous coinciding

Rhymes for synchronous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

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.

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parallel consecutive agreeing simultaneous overlapping coincide asynchronous coinciding