synchronize

verb

syn·​chro·​nize ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz How to pronounce synchronize (audio)
ˈsin-
synchronized; synchronizing

intransitive verb

: to happen at the same time

transitive verb

1
: to represent or arrange (events) to indicate coincidence or coexistence
2
: to make synchronous in operation
3
: to make (motion-picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action
synchronizer noun

Examples of synchronize in a Sentence

The dancers practiced until they synchronized their movements. The sound and picture have to synchronize perfectly.
Recent Examples on the Web Sleep experts, for example, are concerned about the impact of forcing a human to wake up at an allotted time—and subsequently back to sleep—as opposed to allowing a person’s body clock to synchronize with natural daylight hours. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024 The Golden Girls to date, eat, and do synchronized swimming. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 10 Feb. 2024 But in the last three months, Caltrans has begun construction on a new traffic signal synchronization project that allows the agency to remotely control traffic signals on the highway, synchronize their timing and adjust them to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024 The technology also allows the system to detect a blank or paused screen, causing the lights to turn off automatically, while up to seven sub-devices can be added to synchronize the lighting effects. Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 Due diligence serves to synchronize the goals of entrepreneurs and angel investors, laying the groundwork for a successful partnership. Hessie Jones, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 One study followed couples, who had been together for an average of nearly four decades, over the course of eight years; partners matched each other’s baselines in traits such as openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism, and their fluctuations in those traits were synchronized too. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2024 Male cicadas synchronize their calls and produce congregational songs, according to Britannica, which establish territory and attract females. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 The mating calls of male Panama cross-banded tree frogs are synchronized to confuse bats and midges. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synchronize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1624, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of synchronize was circa 1624

Dictionary Entries Near synchronize

Cite this Entry

“Synchronize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synchronize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

synchronize

verb
syn·​chro·​nize ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz How to pronounce synchronize (audio)
ˈsin-
synchronized; synchronizing
: to cause to agree in time
synchronize your watches

More from Merriam-Webster on synchronize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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