synchronize

/ˈsɪŋkrənaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈɪŋkrənˌaɪz] /ˈsɪŋkrənaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈɪŋkrənˌaɪz] /ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌnīz How to pronounce synchronize (audio) ˈsin-/ (ame, mw)

synchronize — verb

  • synchronizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • synchronizeshe / she / it
  • synchronizedpast simple
  • synchronizing-ing form

1. to take place in step with something else so that moments or rates match up, or

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to take place in step with something else so that moments or rates match up, or to bring two or more things into this kind of alignment

例句

The dancers' movements synchronized perfectly with the beat of the drums.

intransitive: synchronize with [rhythm/beat]

Padma synchronized her phone calendar with her work laptop every Monday morning.

synchronize [device] with [device]

同義詞
  • coordinate

    broader: arranging different elements to work together, not necessarily at the exact same moment

  • align

    suggests bringing into line; often used for schedules and plans rather than real-time events

  • match

    simpler and more general; matching can be in any quality, not just timing

反義詞

文法句型

synchronize with something

synchronize something with something

用法筆記

Takes 'with' to name the thing being matched to (synchronize with the beat). The transitive pattern is 'synchronize A with B' — avoid 'synchronize A to B' for this sense.

常見錯誤

❌I synchronized my watch to the meeting time.
✅I synchronized my watch with the office clock.
💡Use 'with' not 'to' when matching two time sources for this sense.

2. to set two or more clocks, watches, or similar devices so that each one displays

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to set two or more clocks, watches, or similar devices so that each one displays an identical time

例句

Before the mission, the captain asked everyone to synchronize their watches to 0600 hours.

synchronize [watches] to [time]

Imani synchronized the kitchen clock with the time signal on her phone before the guests arrived.

synchronize [clock] with [reference time]

同義詞
  • set

    broader: adjusting any device to a desired value, not specifically for matching times

  • calibrate

    more technical, used for instruments and measurements beyond timekeeping

文法句型

synchronize [watches/clocks]

synchronize something with/to a reference time

用法筆記

Distinct from sense 1 (HAPPEN IN UNISON): this sense is specifically about timekeeping devices. The object is always a clock, watch, or similar instrument. Can take either 'with' or 'to' for the reference time.

常見錯誤

❌The dancers synchronized their watches before the show.
✅The dancers synchronized their movements before the show.
💡Sense 2 is only for timepieces; use sense 1 for matching actions or events.