What does synchronically mean?
Synchronically means at the same time, with a strong sense of coordinated timing. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, technical, and analytical writing to describe events, processes, or systems that occur together rather than independently or one after another. For example, recordings may be played synchronically with a performance, or two components may update synchronically so that their states remain aligned. The word often implies more deliberate coordination than the broader phrase “at the same time,” which can describe a simple coincidence; synchronically can suggest exact matching or orderly concurrency. In everyday conversation, “together” or “at once” is usually more natural, while the more familiar adverb “synchronously” is also widely used. The distinction between simultaneous occurrence and coordination depends on context: two unrelated events may happen at once, but describing them as synchronically usually highlights a shared timing arrangement. The word is therefore especially useful when precision, coordination, or contrast with asynchronous activity matters.
adverbAt the same time; in a way involving coordinated or precisely matched timing.
- At the same time, especially with coordinated or precisely matched timing.
"The two clocks tick synchronically, so their displays remain identical."
"The two clocks tick synchronically, so their displays remain identical."
"In the experiment, the pumps were started synchronically to minimize timing differences."
“Synchronically” hides a Greek promise of shared time: synchronos literally meant “happening at the same time.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synchronically come from?
Synchronically was formed from synchronical, an English derivative of synchronous. Its ultimate source is the Greek synchronos, meaning “simultaneous” or “happening at the same time,” from the combining form syn- meaning “together” and chronos meaning “time.” Related English words such as synchronize, synchronization, and synchronism continue this same etymological lineage.
How synchronically is actually used
Most common in academic, scientific, technical, and analytical writing. It is more formal than everyday alternatives such as “at once,” and the related adverb “synchronously” is generally more frequently used.
Easily confused with synchronically
Synchronously is an adverb describing how an action occurs, whereas synchronous is an adjective describing things that happen or operate at the same time.