What does synchronously mean?
Synchronously means in a manner involving exact coordination in time. It describes two or more actions that occur together, often in response to a shared signal or timing system, rather than merely being near enough in sequence to be useful together. In everyday discussion, the word can emphasize close and deliberate coordination: two performers may move synchronously, while colleagues may complete stages of a task synchronously. In technical contexts, especially computing, communications, engineering, and media production, it has a more specific meaning: one operation waits for or is aligned with another at a defined point or rate. The term is useful because it distinguishes exact temporal agreement from simple consecutiveness. It sounds formal and technical compared with the broader “at the same time,” but remains intelligible in general prose. “Asynchronously” is its usual contrast: asynchronous work proceeds independently and may later be coordinated, whereas synchronous work follows a shared timing arrangement.
adverbAt exactly the same time or in precise accordance with a common timing signal. It can also refer more broadly to actions coordinated in time.
- At the same time or in precise accordance with a shared timing system.
"The two dancers moved synchronously, mirroring every gesture and step."
"The orchestra's sections entered synchronously on the conductor's cue."
"The backup system restores the data synchronously before allowing the transaction to continue."
Behind synchronously sit the Greek roots for “together” and “time”—a reminder that synchronization is about events sharing one clock.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synchronously come from?
Synchronously was formed from the adjective synchronous with the adverbial suffix -ly. Synchronous comes through Latin synchronus from Greek synchronos, a compound of synchronos elements meaning “together” and “time.” The related English forms synchronize, synchronization, and synchronism belong to the same word family and reflect the concept of events occurring in exact coordination.
Related word forms
How synchronously is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in computing, communications, engineering, and media production. In technical contexts, it indicates exact timing or a requirement to wait for another operation; in general prose, it can emphasize close, deliberate coordination.
Easily confused with synchronously
Synchronous activity is coordinated with or waits for another activity, whereas asynchronous activity proceeds independently and may be reconciled later.