sync

synch

[singk]

noun

1. synchronization, or the condition of moving, operating, acting, etc., at the same rate and exactly together (usually preceded by in orout of ).

   The picture and the soundtrack were out of sync.

2. harmony or harmonious relationship (usually preceded by in orout of ).

   Management wants to be in sync with the client's wishes.

3. Computers.,  the process of connecting devices or computers, or of uploading data from one to the other or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data.

   You can disconnect your phone from the computer after the sync finishes.

verb (used with object)

1. Computers.,  Also

   1. to connect (devices or computers) so that they share current data, often the data generated by a particular app and stored on one of the devices or computers.

      Every few days I sync my fitness tracker with my computer so my averages are updated on the computer.

   2. to upload (data) from one device or computer to another, or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data.

      This app lets you sync your photos across multiple devices.

      When several of us are working on code in the same program, we have to sync changes frequently.

2. to synchronize, or cause to move, operate, act, etc., at the same rate and exactly together.

   The cheerleaders and baton twirlers synced their movements perfectly to the band.

3. to harmonize or align.

   It is extremely important to sync your priorities with those of your teammates.

verb (used without object)

1. Computers.,  Also to initiate or undergo a connection between devices or computers, or with a network or data store, to share current data.

   Your computer needs to sync with a server on the west coast at the end of each day’s work.

2. to be in or come into harmony or alignment.

   Despite my fears, my new roommate and I synced almost right away.

   Project management should sync with organizational strategy so we all know how to plan.

sync

/ sɪŋk /

verb

1. an informal word for synchronize

noun

1. an informal word for synchronization See synchronization

   in sync

   out of sync

Word History and Origins

Origin of sync¹

First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from synchronize ( def. )

Example Sentences

It feels like writing on paper, only your notes sync to all your devices and your scribbles are actually searchable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite the overnight disconnect between the broader stock market and Bitcoin prices, the two got more in sync later in the day.

Read more on Barron's

Autumn and I exchange glances, our breathing in sync.

Read more on Literature

Yet my calculations had not only helped the Eagle land successfully, but they also helped it to sync back up with the command and service module so that our guys could come back home.

Read more on Literature

What could be more troubling for investors is that if anything, the stock and bitcoin are now more in sync — at least in terms of daily direction — than they were earlier this year.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• coincide 
• conform 
• correspond 
• harmonize 
• jibe 

When To Use

What does sync mean?

Sync means to cause to move or operate at the same time, as in My phone synced with my wireless earbuds, and now I can listen to music on my phone.Sync also means to occur at the same time or rate, as in The train and bus schedules sync up so that passengers can catch the bus when they arrive at the train station.Sync also describes the state of being in harmony or the relationship between two things that run at the same time, as in Felix gets frustrated when the video and audio are out of sync.Sync is a shortened form of synchronization and can be spelled synch.Example: Sync the headphones with the system and then give it a listen.