synced
synced — verb
- syncedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- synceds3rd person singular
- synceding-ing form
- syncededpast simple
1. if events, actions, or movements are synced, they happen at exactly the same mom
if events, actions, or movements are synced, they happen at exactly the same moment or proceed in matching rhythm — the past tense of 'sync' (short for 'synchronize').
The dancers synced their steps so perfectly that they looked like one person.
transitive use: sync + object + adverb
Mei synced the video footage with the audio recording before the presentation.
pattern: sync + object + with + noun
The two machines synced automatically when Jack turned them on.
The choir synced their breathing before singing the long opening note.
- synchronize
the formal equivalent; preferred in academic and professional writing
- coordinate
broader meaning — can refer to organizing people or tasks, not just timing
- align
often used for goals, strategies, or positions rather than timing
- desync
informal; means to break synchronization
文法句型
sync + direct object + with + noun phrase
sync + with + noun phrase
be synced
用法筆記
Frequently used without an object when talking about devices or processes that synchronize themselves: 'The system synced overnight.' This is the informal equivalent of 'synchronized'; use 'synchronized' in formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. to connect two or more electronic devices or accounts so that they exchange and
to connect two or more electronic devices or accounts so that they exchange and match the most recent information, files, calendars, or settings.
Caleb synced his laptop with his tablet before catching the flight to Tokyo.
pattern: sync + device + with + device
The app synced all the photos from the wedding to the cloud within seconds.
pattern: sync + data + to + service
Amelia checked that her calendar was synced across her phone, laptop, and work computer.
Chidi synced his notes app with his team's shared folder before the deadline.
- synchronize
formal equivalent; 'synchronize your devices' sounds more technical
- update
broader — updating can happen on one device alone; syncing requires at least two
- back up
different concept — backup is one-way (copying); syncing is two-way (matching)
文法句型
sync + device + with + device
sync + data + to + cloud/service
be synced + across + devices
用法筆記
Subject can be a person (agent) or a program/device. When the subject is a device or app, the verb is often used intransitively: 'My phone synced overnight.' The phrase 'keep your devices synced' is very common in technology instructions.
常見錯誤
synced — noun
1. a condition (based on the noun 'sync') in which multiple things move or occur to
a condition (based on the noun 'sync') in which multiple things move or occur together at matching moments and speeds — always used in the fixed phrase 'in sync'. ('Synced' itself is the past tense of the verb 'sync' and is not used as a noun.)
The rowing team moved in perfect sync, each oar hitting the water together.
phrase: in sync
Ziad kept the music in sync with the fireworks by using a precise timer.
phrase: in sync with + object
The horses and the marching band stayed in sync during the entire parade.
Ignacio tapped his foot to keep in sync with the drummer's fast beat.
- synchronization
more formal; the noun form of 'synchronize'
- unison
used mainly for sound or group movement — 'in unison' means doing the same action at the same time
- out of sync
direct opposite; the negative form of the same phrase
文法句型
in sync with + noun phrase
in sync
用法筆記
This sense describes the fixed phrase 'in sync' (built on the noun 'sync'), listed here because learners commonly encounter these phrases when looking up 'synced' — but 'synced' itself is a verb form only. Always appears in the fixed phrase 'in sync'; it is not used as a standalone countable noun (*'a sync' for this meaning). Distinguish from noun sense 2: sense 1 is about physical timing/movement; sense 2 is about ideas or agreement.
2. a condition where people or groups hold matching views, values, or goals — used
a condition where people or groups hold matching views, values, or goals — used figuratively in the phrase 'in sync'. ('Synced' itself is a verb form and is not used as a noun.)
The manager and the design team were completely in sync about the new product direction.
phrase: in sync about + topic
Ravindra felt that his personal values were in sync with the company's environmental mission.
phrase: in sync with + abstract noun
The musicians were so in sync they finished each other's melodies without planning.
Otis and his business partner are in sync on every major decision they make.
- in agreement
more direct and formal; 'be in agreement with someone'
- aligned
common in business contexts — 'our goals are aligned'
- in harmony
stronger emotional tone — suggests a pleasant feeling of agreement
- out of sync
direct opposite; can mean either different timing or different opinions
文法句型
in sync with + noun phrase
in sync
用法筆記
This figurative sense describes 'in sync' (built on the noun 'sync'); 'synced' itself is a verb form only. Often used with abstract subjects: opinions, goals, values, visions. Distinguish from sense 1 (physical timing): if the subject refers to actual movement or the timing of events, use sense 1; if it refers to shared opinions, values, or goals, use this sense.
3. a condition in which the timing or pace of two or more things does not match — a
a condition in which the timing or pace of two or more things does not match — always used in the phrase 'out of sync'. ('Synced' itself is a verb form and is not used as a noun.)
The audio was out of sync with the video, so the lips moved first.
phrase: out of sync with + noun
Luca noticed his watch was ten minutes out of sync with the station clock.
phrase: out of sync with + time reference
The two guitarists were out of sync and had to start the song again.
Nadia found the subtitles were out of sync with the dialogue on screen.
- mismatched
broader — can describe any two things that do not go together well
- off
informal — 'the timing was off' means the same as 'out of sync'
- in sync
direct opposite; the positive form
文法句型
out of sync with + noun phrase
out of sync
用法筆記
This sense describes 'out of sync' (built on the noun 'sync'); 'synced' itself is a verb form only. The opposite of noun sense 1. Common in technical contexts (audio-video sync issues) and performance (dancers, musicians falling out of sync). Not used in the positive form — do not say *'in desync'; use 'out of sync.'
4. a situation where two people, groups, or sets of ideas do not match or agree — u
a situation where two people, groups, or sets of ideas do not match or agree — used figuratively in the phrase 'out of sync'. ('Synced' itself is not a noun.)
The new manager's ideas were out of sync with the team's working style.
phrase: out of sync with + abstract noun
Mira felt out of sync with her classmates after studying a different curriculum.
subjective experience: feel out of sync
The company's spending was out of sync with its earnings that year.
The two departments are out of sync on the project timeline and budget.
- in conflict
stronger — suggests active disagreement rather than just mismatch
- not aligned
common in business language — 'the departments are not aligned on priorities'
- in sync
direct opposite; the positive form for agreement
文法句型
out of sync with + noun phrase
out of sync
用法筆記
This figurative sense describes 'out of sync' (built on the noun 'sync'); 'synced' itself is a verb form only. The opposite of noun sense 2. Distinguish from noun sense 3: if the mismatch is about literal timing of events (audio, clocks, performance), use sense 3; if it is about differing opinions, incompatible expectations, or personal fit, use this sense. Often describes a mismatch between expectations and reality, or between two groups' perspectives.