What does synchronizing mean?
Synchronizing means arranging two or more actions, processes, or signals so that they happen at the same time or remain coordinated. The term is especially common in technical contexts such as file transfer, audio and video production, computer networks, and mechanical systems, where independent components must share a consistent rhythm or reference point. It can also describe people coordinating their movements or work, usually with the implication that the activities are carefully matched. As the present participle of synchronize, synchronizing is both an action and a temporary state: “She is synchronizing the cameras” describes what she is doing, while “The cameras are synchronizing” describes a process underway. The word is neutral and broadly understood in British and American English, with “synchronising” as a common British spelling. Its usefulness lies in capturing not just similarity but deliberate agreement in timing.
verbArranging two or more actions, processes, or signals to occur at the same time or in a coordinated way.
- To arrange actions, processes, or signals so that they occur at the same time or follow a coordinated sequence.
- To bring separate systems or activities into agreement in timing or operation.
"The technicians are synchronizing the cameras before recording begins."
"The application is synchronizing the latest files across all employees’ devices."
"The dancers practiced synchronizing their movements before the performance."
From Greek syn (“together”) and chronos (“time”), synchronizing is literally making time agree.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synchronizing come from?
Synchronizing is derived from synchronize, which comes through Latin synchronus from Greek synchronos, meaning “simultaneous” or “happening at the same time.” The Greek elements are syn- (“together”) and chronos (“time”), literally expressing the idea of time being shared or brought together. Related English forms include synchronous, synchronism, synchrony, and synchronicity.
Related word forms
How synchronizing is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in technical, professional, and everyday contexts. “Synchronising” is the usual British spelling, while “synchronizing” is standard in American English and also accepted in British English.
Easily confused with synchronizing
Synchronizing describes the act of coordinating timing, whereas synchronous describes things that occur or operate at the same time.