synchronize — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To cause two or more events or actions to happen at exactly the same time or same rate, or in a time-coordinated way. To occur at the same time or with coordinated timing.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Intransitive
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   syncsynchsync up

   Examples

   The path of this great empire, through its arch of progress, synchronized with that of Christianity.

2. To cause two or more events or actions to happen at exactly the same time or same rate, or in a time-coordinated way. To cause (video and audio) to play in a coordinated way.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   syncsynchsync up

3. To set (a clock or watch) to display the same time as another.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Transitive

   Examples

   We synchronized our watches and agreed to meet at four o'clock precisely.

4. To cause (a set of files, data, or settings) on one computer or device to be (and try to remain) the same as on another.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Transitive or intransitive

5. To agree, be coordinated with, or complement well.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Intransitive
   • of inanimate entities

   Examples

   Gay men often have interests and concerns that don't synchronize with the issues considered top priorities by lesbians.

6. To coordinate or combine.

   Usage

   • British
   • English
   • Oxford
   • US usage
   • Transitive

Verb

1. make synchronous and adjust in time or manner

   Synonyms

   synchronisesync

   Antonyms

   desynchronize

   Broader terms

   adjustsetcorrect

   Examples

   Let's synchronize our efforts

2. happen at the same time

   Synonyms

   synchronisecontemporizecontemporise

   Broader terms

   happenhapgo onpass offoccurpassfall outcome abouttake place

3. make (motion picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action

   Synonyms

   synchronise

   Broader terms

   changealtermodify

   Examples

   synchronize this film

4. arrange or represent events so that they co-occur

   Synonyms

   synchronisecontemporizecontemporise

   Broader terms

   arrangeset upputorder

   Examples

   synchronize biblical events

5. operate simultaneously

   Synonyms

   synchronise

   Broader terms

   operatecontrol

   Examples

   The clocks synchronize

6. cause to indicate the same time or rate

   Synonyms

   synchronise

   Broader terms

   alignalineline upadjust

   Examples

   synchronize your watches