synchronized

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Happening or moving at exactly the same time or speed as something else.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: synchronized clocks; The clocks are synchronized.

   Patterns

   • synchronized with something
   • synchronized to something

   The dancers' movements were perfectly synchronized with the music.

   All the clocks in the building are synchronized to the same time.

   The two swimmers performed a synchronized routine.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablecomputing

   In computing, kept identical on two or more devices by automatic updating.

   Grammar: Often used after a linking verb: My files are synchronized.

   Patterns

   • synchronized across devices
   • synchronized with something

   Your calendar is synchronized across your phone and laptop.

   Make sure the data is synchronized before you disconnect.

Common combinations

synchronized swimming

She won a silver medal in synchronized swimming.

perfectly synchronized

The lights and sound were perfectly synchronized.

synchronized with

The traffic lights are synchronized with each other.

synchronized clocks

The station uses synchronized clocks to keep trains on time.

Synonyms and how they differ

simultaneous

Simultaneous means happening at the same time, but does not suggest the regular coordination that synchronized often implies.

coordinated

Coordinated emphasizes working together smoothly, while synchronized stresses exact timing.

in sync

Informal and used after a verb: The dancers were in sync.

Opposites

Word family

synchronize verb

To make things happen or operate at the same time.

synchronization noun

The act of making things happen at the same time.

synchrony noun

The state of happening at the same time.

Commonly confused: synchronized or synchronic?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “synchronized”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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