CONTEMPORANEOUS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'contemporaneous' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemporaneous are coeval , coincident , contemporary , simultaneous , and synchronous . While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people. // contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

Q: When is 'coeval' a more appropriate choice than 'contemporaneous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemporaneous , coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons. // two stars thought to be coeval

Q: When can 'coincident' be used instead of 'contemporaneous'?

In some situations, the words coincident and contemporaneous 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: Where would 'contemporary' be a reasonable alternative to 'contemporaneous'?

Although the words contemporary and contemporaneous have much in common, contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them. // Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

Q: When is it sensible to use 'simultaneous' instead of 'contemporaneous'?

The meanings of simultaneous and contemporaneous largely overlap; however, simultaneous implies correspondence in a moment of time. // the two shots were simultaneous

Q: When would 'synchronous' be a good substitute for 'contemporaneous'?

The words synchronous and contemporaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, synchronous implies exact correspondence in time and especially in periodic intervals. // synchronous timepieces

contemporaneous

adjective

kən-ˌtem-pə-ˈrā-nē-əs

Definition of contemporaneous

as in concurrent

existing or occurring at the same period of time contemporaneous accounts of the battle from officers on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective contemporaneous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemporaneous are coeval, coincident, contemporary, simultaneous, and synchronous. While all these words mean "existing or occurring at the same time," contemporaneous is more often applied to events than to people.

contemporaneous accounts of the kidnapping

When is coeval a more appropriate choice than contemporaneous?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemporaneous, coeval refers usually to periods, ages, eras, eons.

two stars thought to be coeval

When can coincident be used instead of contemporaneous?

In some situations, the words coincident and contemporaneous 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

Where would contemporary be a reasonable alternative to contemporaneous?

Although the words contemporary and contemporaneous have much in common, contemporary is likely to apply to people and what relates to them.

Abraham Lincoln was contemporary with Charles Darwin

When is it sensible to use simultaneous instead of contemporaneous?

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

the two shots were simultaneous

When would synchronous be a good substitute for contemporaneous?

The words synchronous and contemporaneous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 contemporaneous The firm’s report laid them out in plain and careful detail, with quotes from texts, e-mails, interviews, and contemporaneous notes. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026 None of the contemporaneous reports made note of whether the Tesla had one of its driver-assist systems engaged. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026 Brock Lesnar's final three matches Per WWE records and contemporaneous reporting. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The band’s lo-fi sound and intermittent lush orchestrations felt exotic but somehow warm — the Irish counterpart to another contemporaneous example of the form, Scotland’s Belle and Sebastian. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contemporaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemporaneous

Adjective

The screenings run concurrent with the BBC Studios Showcase in London but no longer with MIP London, which is ending as MIP instead launches a London Book Fair event a few weeks later.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Mackenzie Shirilla is serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life for killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, 20, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, 19, in a 2022 crash in Strongsville, Ohio, Fox News Digital previously reported.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of concurrent

Adjective

The 1,500-watt permanent-magnet synchronous spindle runs up to 24,000 rpm and, according to ToolDance, delivers more torque at low speeds than the induction motors used in most other machines – exactly what steel and titanium demand.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
The rideshare mission, known as Transporter-18, carried 130 payloads into a polar Sun-synchronous orbit.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of synchronous

Adjective

Accelerating human evolution coincident with the development of agriculture increased redheadedness and decreased male-pattern baldness.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
In a separate announcement, but with coincident timing, WestJet also announced a stopover plan in Calgary.

— Don Tse, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of coincident

Adjective

After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
This dynamic comes through the mill’s fabric families like D’enovated, which applies contemporary constructions, comfort stretch and a broad spectrum of indigo shades to authentic-looking denim.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Following the simultaneous departures of former chiefs Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) at the end of last season, long-time fans might have expected another familiar face to take the helm.

— Max Gao, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Memoirs proceeds from there with that simultaneous posture of high-minded openness and a childish giggle.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of simultaneous

Adjective

This coincidental trait inspired researchers to name the new genus Herugavialis after Heru, or Horus, the Egyptian god associated with the construction of the mythical creature.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Now, with this curious surge of coincidental timing, the film industry is returning the favor.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of coincidental

Browse Nearby Words

contemplative

contemporaneous

contemporaneously

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“Contemporaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemporaneous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of contemporaneous

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