sync
Americannoun
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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.
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harmony or harmonious relationship (usually preceded by in orout of ).
Management wants to be in sync with the client's wishes.
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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)
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Computers. Also
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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.
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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.
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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.
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to harmonize or align.
It is extremely important to sync your priorities with those of your teammates.
verb (used without object)
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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.
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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.
verb
noun
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of sync
First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from synchronize ( def. )
Explanation
Sync, short for "synchronize," is a verb for making things work together. When you lip-sync, you are moving your mouth to exactly match someone else's words spoken or sung at precisely the same time. The verb sync, an abbreviation for "synchronize," appeared in 1929 to describe the matching of sound and picture in the new "talkies." The variation of being "in sync" appeared in 1961. The word now means any type of such matching up, including personal relationships. If you are "in sync" with another person, you are "on the same page," you get along easily. The phrase has also become popular with the growth of electronics such as computers, phones, and other communication devices that can be connected, or "synced."
Vocabulary lists containing sync
myPerspectives 8.1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the July 3, 2026, print edition as 'Founders In Sync'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026
Remember that signature episode of “Lip Sync Battle”?
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2025
All-female DJ group Girls Don't Sync have posted on Instagram to say they will no longer be playing at Big Weekend - "due to timings".
From BBC • May 24, 2024
The most notable one is arguably Anne Hathaway's appearance on the musical reality competition television series, "Lip Sync Battle."
From Salon • Sep. 10, 2023
Even better, Sync 4 is available in some of Ford’s most popular vehicles, including the F-150 pickup truck and Mustang Mach-E.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
