sync

[ singk ]

noun

1. synchronization, or the condition of moving, operating, acting, etc., at the same rate and exactly together (usually preceded by in or out of ):

   The picture and the soundtrack were out of sync.

2. harmony or harmonious relationship (usually preceded by in or out of ):

   Management wants to be in sync with the client's wishes.

3. Computers. the process of connecting devices or computers, or of uploading data from one to the other or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data:

   You can disconnect your phone from the computer after the sync finishes.

verb (used with object)

1. Also . Computers.
   1. to connect (devices or computers) so that they share current data, often the data generated by a particular app and stored on one of the devices or computers:

      Every few days I sync my fitness tracker with my computer so my averages are updated on the computer.

   2. to upload (data) from one device or computer to another, or to a network or data store, so that all connected devices and repositories share current data:

      This app lets you sync your photos across multiple devices.

      When several of us are working on code in the same program, we have to sync changes frequently.

2. to synchronize, or cause to move, operate, act, etc., at the same rate and exactly together:

   The cheerleaders and baton twirlers synced their movements perfectly to the band.

3. to harmonize or align:

   It is extremely important to sync your priorities with those of your teammates.

verb (used without object)

1. Also . Computers. to initiate or undergo a connection between devices or computers, or with a network or data store, to share current data:

   Your computer needs to sync with a server on the west coast at the end of each day’s work.

2. to be in or come into harmony or alignment:

   Despite my fears, my new roommate and I synced almost right away.

   Project management should sync with organizational strategy so we all know how to plan.

sync

/ sɪŋk /

verb

1. an informal word for synchronize

noun

1. an informal word for synchronization See synchronization

   in sync

   out of sync

Word History and Origins

Origin of sync¹

First recorded in 1930–35; shortened from synchronize ( def )

Example Sentences

However, your TV may be able to do this audio unpacking process itself—taking the load off your soundbar and allowing the two to stay in sync.

From Popular-Science

Couple that with any other processing you’re doing—like motion smoothing on your TV, or “virtual surround”-type features on the soundbar—and you’re basically guaranteed out-of-sync dialogue.

From Popular-Science

If none of these lip sync features solve the problem, though, you’ll have to get a bit more creative.

From Popular-Science

If you’re lucky, your TV or soundbar will be one of that allows the lip sync feature to adjust in both directions—or at least you’ll have a higher-end soundbar with enough inputs for all your devices.

From Popular-Science

They keep their distance from each other even as they move in sync.

From Science News For Students

The higher your score, the more likely it is that you can lip-sync along to the “Checkers” Speech.

From The Daily Beast

Does it matter whether Taylor Swift wants me to inflate my Internet notoriety by doing a dumb thing where I lip sync to her music?

From The Daily Beast

Bass once suffered the indignity of being the third hottest member of 'N Sync, widely considered to be less hot than JC Chasez.

From The Daily Beast

Watch Temple, then barely 7, keep perfect sync with world-renowned, lifetime-trained Robinson.

From The Daily Beast

Most trackers sync with your smartphone to allow you to log food and drink intake each day.

From The Daily Beast

I hae na seen ye're bonny face these muckle years, sir, sync ye cam' back frae ae sight o' the young mistress.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, at perhaps a hundred thousand times critical mass, and still in perfect sync, the Vangs all went off.

From Project Gutenberg

Robots humped underfoot moving objects, keeping them in sync with the changes in Florida.

From Project Gutenberg

The way you get a ride online is to sync up with our version-server and then instantiate a copy.

From Project Gutenberg

I told you she was a potent force—a full-scale powerhouse, in sync and on the line.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coincide
• conform
• correspond
• harmonize
• jibe

More About Sync

What does sync mean?

Sync means to cause to move or operate at the same time, as in My phone synced with my wireless earbuds, and now I can listen to music on my phone.

Sync also means to occur at the same time or rate, as in The train and bus schedules sync up so that passengers can catch the bus when they arrive at the train station.

Sync also describes the state of being in harmony or the relationship between two things that run at the same time, as in Felix gets frustrated when the video and audio are out of sync.

Sync is a shortened form of synchronization and can be spelled synch.

Example: Sync the headphones with the system and then give it a listen.

Where does sync come from?

The first records of the term sync are from the 1930s. It is a shortened form of synchronization, meaning “the act of indicating the same time or same status.”

One of the most common uses of sync is in the phrase out of sync to describe two or more items that are not timed with each other, as in The controls are out of sync with the screen.

Sync can also describe things outside of technology, such as someone being in sync with someone else’s wishes or being in sync emotionally, that is, feeling the same way about something. Sync can also be used as a verb meaning “to connect or synchronize.”

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to sync? 

• synch (alternative spelling)

What are some synonyms for sync?

• coincide
• concur
• correspond
• harmonize
• jibe

What are some words that share a root or word element with sync? 

• synchronize
• synchronization
• synchronized swimming
• lip-sync

What are some words that often get used in discussing sync?

• connection
• in
• out
• time
• wireless

How is sync used in real life?

Sync is usually used to talk about technologies, although it can be used to talk about dealing with emotions or problems.

today at work i went pee and this other guy peed in the urinal next to me and then like 2 hrs later we somehow went at the same time again and mid-pee i go “bro we are so in sync haha.” he didnt respond

— eric curtin (@dubstep4dads) February 16, 2018

In the market for a new running watch. What is your favorite brand and model? Particularly looking for long distance running.

Need:

– GPS, time & pace
– Timer
– Stopwatch
– Auto Lap
– Altimeter
– Calories burned
– Intervals
– Bluetooth sync

Preferred:
– Color screen
– Cadence

— Arun Gupta 🇺🇦 (@arungupta) March 17, 2019

I used to flirt with my crush in elementary school by "marrying" her on the swingset/ swinging in sync with her 😂

— J (@JVCKJ) October 28, 2016

 

 

Try using sync!

Is sync used correctly in the following sentence?

Jada and Imani were in sync about the meeting, both feeling like it was a waste of time.