1
as in concurrent
existing or occurring at the same period of time
the absurd notion that early cave dwellers were contemporary with the dinosaurs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modern
being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles
a magazine devoted to contemporary fashions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in companion
a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another
Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were exact contemporaries, actually being born on the same day in 1809
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contemporary
Nina Derwin, Glamour, 8 Jan. 2026
This plaid isn’t just of the moment—the sparkle details add a contemporary twist to a classic pattern.
—Kat Suico, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2025
It was also inspired by William Hogarth and a whole litany of his contemporaries.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemporary
Adjective
This season’s ballet styles run the gamut from round-toe ballet slippers to more contemporary takes with square-toe shapes or Mary Jane straps.
—Noun
By the late chapters, Daphne and her contemporaries, now old, seem to remember less about those days with Cecil than does the reader, who came through them recently—an inspired way of calling forth the novel-ness of the novel without breaking the realist’s line.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemporary
Adjective
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This year’s screenings will take place February 22 to 27 and will again run concurrent with the new MIP London.—
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His prison sentences ran concurrent with each other.—
Adjective
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Their relaxed drape feels modern and unfussy, striking the right balance between polish and comfort.—
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According to Makaym Dybenko, the system balances customization with military-standard compatibility, positioning DroneHunter Varta as a flexible counter-drone solution for modern combat environments.—
Noun
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The minimalist digital helm, controlled by smartphone app, has details like wireless charging stations beside beautifully stitched helm and companion seats.—
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Pine Ridge, South Dakota — A four-pack of rez dogs trotted toward the lone grocery store, greeting and tailing human companions in hopes of a spare scrap.—
Adjective
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For his last runway collection, unveiled in September, Michele constructed a parallel universe of side-by-side shows separated by a wall that when lifted revealed twins in identical looks in synchronic stride.—
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With a lockable synchronic-tilt mechanism and special Z-Shape design, the Kaiser 2 can accommodate a weight up to 180kg, quite a bit more than normal mechanisms on office chairs and the back can be reclined to an angle of 160 degrees which can be locked when not in rocking mode.—
Adjective
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The interdisciplinary approach brought the duke’s life and death to a stunning clarity — indicating how analyses can shed new light on age-old mysteries, even murders.—
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While earning a master's degree in exercise and coaching science at University College Dublin, she was introduced to CrossFit and discovered a new kind of challenge with its emphasis on versatility and constant adaptation.—
Noun
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Afterwards, the ’80s pop star performed a medley of career-spanning hits with accompaniment from Avril Lavigne, Raye, and others to celebrate the occasion.—
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Serve with garlic bread for the perfect savory accompaniment that will conveniently help sop up every last bit of cheese and marinara sauce.—
Adjective
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So instead, to keep costs down and power up, the Starcloud satellite flies what is known as a dawn-dusk sun-synchronous orbit, circling the planet at a near vertical 83° angle that carries it over the poles and keeps it almost constantly exposed to the sun.—
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The Christina School District has moved to all schools to synchronous remote learning Monday in anticipation of the heavy traffic.—
Noun
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Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
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The picks were something of a surprise considering the turret is usually filled with Survivor and Big Brother players (who are generally better versed in reality competition gaming strategy than their Bravo counterparts).—
Cite this Entry
“Contemporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemporary. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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