synchronicity
Americannoun
-
(in the psychology of Carl Jung) the simultaneous occurrence of causally unrelated events and the belief that the simultaneity has meaning beyond mere coincidence.
-
coincidence in time; contemporaneousness; simultaneity.
-
Physics, Electricity. the state of having the same frequency and zero phase difference.
noun
Etymology
Origin of synchronicity
First recorded in 1865–70 synchronicity for def. 1; 1950–55 synchronicity for def. 2; synchron(ous) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )
Explanation
Ever step outside just as the sun comes out? Or pass by a street lamp at night, and it turns on at that moment, seemingly just for you? That's synchronicity, when things happen together, as if perfectly timed. If you're planning to lip-sync your next concert, you'll want to work on your synchronicity with your soundman. And speaking of music, if you're a rock-and-roll nerd, you're no doubt thinking of "Synchronicity," the megahit album by The Police, released in 1983. The term synchronicity was coined in the 1950s by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, to describe uncanny coincidences that seem to be meaningful. The Greek roots are syn-, "together," and khronos, "time."
Vocabulary lists containing synchronicity
It's About Time: Chron and Temp
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Divergent
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Marrow Thieves
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is one of those moments of universal synchronicity that changed the course of many lives, not just Auf der Maur’s.
From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026
At its L.A. highlight exhibition, Irsay’s collection held an air of synchronicity.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026
That synchronicity was too frequent to be coincidental.
From Science Daily • Oct. 22, 2025
“The romance! The kismet! The synchronicity that this is all occurring in my lifetime!”
From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024
In a group, you can look for synchronicity.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
