Sync: meaning, definitions and examples

Informal and usually used in casual conversations or in the tech industry to describe the process of making two systems or devices work together. Often used as a verb or a noun.

• I need to sync my phone with my computer to transfer the photos.
• The app has a feature that allows for automatic sync.

More formal and used in academic, technical, or professional settings to describe the process of coordinating events to operate at the same time.

• Proper synchronization of the database servers is crucial for data integrity.
• The dancers' synchronization was so precise it looked like one person moving.

Generally used as a verb in both formal and informal contexts to describe the action of making things operate at the same time or rate.

• We need to synchronize our schedules to find a mutual meeting time.
• The software can synchronize files across multiple devices.

Informal and mainly used in casual conversations or within the tech community to describe the ongoing process of making two devices or systems work together.

• My devices are syncing now; it should only take a few minutes.
• Is your calendar syncing with your phone?

Commonly used in technical scenarios, particularly in software and technology, to describe the process of making sure data or processes are aligned. Informally used in daily conversation to mean 'to match up'.

• I need to sync my calendar with my phone.
• Let's sync our schedules so we can have lunch together.

Primarily used in technical and formal contexts, especially in mechanics, technology, and time-related activities. It implies making two or more things operate at the same time or rate.

• The swimmers need to synchronize their movements.
• We have to synchronize our watches before the mission.

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the process of organizing people or tasks to work together efficiently. Common in project management and event planning.

• Can you coordinate the team’s efforts on this project?
• We need to coordinate the meeting times with all departments.

Often used in a musical or artistic context to describe the process of making different elements work together pleasingly. Can also refer to making policies or rules consistent across different areas or organizations.

• The choir members need to harmonize their voices.
• The new regulations aim to harmonize international trade standards.