synchronize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to cause to indicate the same time, as one timepiece with another.
Synchronize your watches.
-
to cause to go on, move, operate, work, etc., at the same rate and exactly together.
They synchronized their steps and walked on together.
-
Movies, Television.
-
to cause (sound and action) to match precisely.
to synchronize the sound of footsteps with the actor's movements.
-
to match the sound and action in (a scene).
-
-
to harmonize or bring into alignment.
To be at peace with yourself you must synchronize your lifestyle with your values.
-
to cause (accounts or narratives) to agree in the timing and sequence of events, or to arrange (events) in a way that shows their occurrence in the same time or period.
The early church fathers did not attempt to synchronize the four gospels.
This chart synchronizes inventions that occurred simultaneously in different parts of the world.
-
Computers. sync.
-
to adjust the periodicities of (two or more electrical or mechanical devices) so that the periods are equal or integral multiples or fractions of each other.
verb (used without object)
-
to occur at the same time or coincide or agree in time.
-
to go on, move, operate, work, etc., at the same rate and exactly together; recur together.
-
Computers. sync.
verb
-
to occur or recur or cause to occur or recur at the same time or in unison
-
to indicate or cause to indicate the same time
synchronize your watches
-
to download files, esp music or video files, from a PC to a portable device such as an iPod, or to upload files from the device to a PC
-
(tr) films to establish (the picture and soundtrack records) in their correct relative position
-
(tr) to designate (events) as simultaneous
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
synchronizesimple
-
synchronizessimple
-
have synchronizedperfect
-
has synchronizedperfect
-
are synchronizingprogressive
-
am synchronizingprogressive
-
is synchronizingprogressive
-
have been synchronizingperfect progressive
-
has been synchronizingperfect progressive
Past
-
synchronizedsimple
-
had synchronizedperfect
-
was synchronizingprogressive
-
were synchronizingprogressive
-
had been synchronizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of synchronize
First recorded in 1615–25; from Greek synchronízein “to be contemporary with”; from sýnchron(os) synchronous + -izein -ize
Explanation
When you synchronize things, you make them happen at the same time. If you have rhythm, you can synchronize your dance moves with the beat of the music. If not, stay off the dance floor. Synchronize, pronounced "SINK-ruh-nize," means "to make things happen at the same time" — even down to a fraction of a second, as in synchronized swimming. In that sport, one movement that doesn't sync, or match up, costs the swimmers points. When you synchronize your wristwatches, people can't blame their watches being fast or slow if they don't come to the meeting spot at the right time.
Vocabulary lists containing synchronize
It's About Time: Chron and Temp
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Word Roots: Chron and Temp
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"Runnin'" almost jogs up to Chicago footwork-caliber speeds, while "Synchronize" slows to a hotel pool-bar Balearic haze.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2018
Synchronize watches by calling a specified "time of day" hotline.
From Time Magazine Archive
Synchronize your speed with mine; I will be working very rapidly, and it is vital that you be in harmony with me every instant.
From The Passing of Ku Sui by Gilmore, Anthony
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.
