Synchronise vs. Synchronize: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Synchronise and Synchronize are two spellings of the same word, meaning to occur at the same time or to make things happen simultaneously.
Key Differences
Synchronise is the British English spelling, while Synchronize is the American English spelling. Both words mean to coordinate events to occur simultaneously.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
While Synchronise is commonly used in British, Australian, and other Commonwealth English, Synchronize is predominantly used in American English. Both terms have the same usage in sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Most British English dictionaries list Synchronise, and American English dictionaries prefer Synchronize. However, both entries convey the same definition.
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Dec 09, 2023
In academic or professional writing, the choice between Synchronise and Synchronize depends on the regional language standard being followed. Both forms are understood universally in English-speaking contexts.
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Dec 09, 2023
With the influence of American English in global communication, Synchronize may be seen more frequently in international contexts. However, Synchronise remains a valid and widely accepted spelling in many English-speaking countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
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Synchronise and Synchronize Definitions
Synchronise
To operate at the same speed or rate.
The dancers had to synchronise their movements.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronize
To bring different elements into a timed agreement.
The film editor will synchronize the sound with the visuals.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronise
To occur at the same time by coordination.
The lights were synchronised with the music.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronize
To make different things move or operate at the same rate.
The swimmers need to synchronize their strokes.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronise
To make events happen at the same time.
The team had to synchronise their watches for the operation.
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Dec 09, 2023
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Synchronize
To set something to work in unison with something else.
I'll synchronize my watch to the world clock.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronise
To adjust something to operate in time with something else.
We need to synchronise the clock with the official time.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronize
To arrange for things to happen at the same time.
The team will synchronize their efforts for maximum efficiency.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronise
To make actions or processes work together seamlessly.
It's important to synchronise the audio with the video.
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Dec 09, 2023
Synchronize
To cause to occur or operate with exact coincidence in time or rate
The military units synchronized their operations. We synchronized our watches.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To cause to occur or operate at the same time as something else
They synchronized their trip with the annual tulip festival.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To represent (events) as occurring at the same time or in the same time period.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronise
Make (motion picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action;
Synchronize this film
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To arrange (a video or soundtrack, for example) to play or operate in synchronization with something else.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronise
Arrange or represent events so that they co-occur;
Synchronize biblical events
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To transfer data between (two devices) to ensure that the same data is stored on both.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To execute such a transfer to cause the content of (two or more files or other sets of data) to be identical.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronise
Cause to indicate the same time or rate;
Synchronize your watches
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To occur at the same time; be simultaneous
The light flashes of fireflies tend to synchronize with one another.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronise
Make synchronous and adjust in time or manner;
Let's synchronize our efforts
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
(transitive) To cause two or more events or actions to happen at exactly the same time or same rate, or in a time-coordinated way.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
(intransitive) To occur at the same time or with coordinated timing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
(transitive) To cause (video and audio) to play in a coordinated way.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
(transitive) To set (a clock or watch) to display the same time as another.
We synchronized our watches and agreed to meet at four o'clock precisely.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To cause (a set of files, data, or settings) on one computer or device to be (and try to remain) the same as on another.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To agree in time; to be simultaneous.
The path of this great empire, through its arch of progress, synchronized with that of Christianity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To assign to the same date or period of time; as, to synchronize two events of Greek and Roman history.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To cause to agree in time; as, to synchronize the movements of different machines; to synchronize clocks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
Make synchronous and adjust in time or manner;
Let's synchronize our efforts
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
Make (motion picture sound) exactly simultaneous with the action;
Synchronize this film
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
Arrange or represent events so that they co-occur;
Synchronize biblical events
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
Cause to indicate the same time or rate;
Synchronize your watches
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Synchronize
To make events happen simultaneously.
The fireworks are synchronized to burst with the music.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are Synchronise and Synchronize interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but depend on regional spelling preferences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Which is the correct spelling, Synchronise or Synchronize?
Both are correct, depending on whether you use British or American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can Synchronise be used in American English?
It's less common, but understandable in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In technical writing, which form should I use?
Use the form that aligns with the regional language standard of your audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is one form more modern than the other?
No, they are just regional variants.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is the 'z' in Synchronize an Americanization?
Yes, American English often uses 'z' where British English uses 's'.
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Dec 09, 2023
What do Synchronise and Synchronize mean?
Both mean to make events occur at the same time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is Synchronize accepted in British English?
Yes, though Synchronise is more standard in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Why are there two spellings for the same word?
It's due to the differences between American and British English spelling conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Do these spelling differences affect comprehension?
No, both forms are widely understood in the English-speaking world.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is one form more common in international English?
Synchronize may be more common in international contexts due to American English influence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Are these spelling differences found in other English words?
Yes, there are several other words with American and British spelling differences.
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Dec 09, 2023
Do Synchronise and Synchronize have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same way.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Are there any pronunciation differences?
No, the pronunciation is the same for both.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does the meaning change with spelling?
No, the meaning remains the same regardless of spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Are there other words with similar American and British spelling differences?
Yes, like 'organise' (British) and 'organize' (American).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
How do I know which spelling to use?
Consider your audience and the standard form of English they use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can the spelling affect the formality of a document?
No, the formality is not affected by the choice of spelling.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Which spelling should I teach to ESL students?
Teach the variant most relevant to their learning context or regional use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can I use both spellings in a single document?
It's best to stick to one spelling for consistency.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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