Simultaneously means at the same time. Its contrasts describe events happening in sequence, at separate times, or with a delay between them rather than occurring together.
Useful choices include Sequentially, Consecutively, Successively, with the best wording depending on the precise sentence and sense intended.
Sequence, Delay, and Separate Timing
Several entries describe sequence, but in different ways. Consecutively implies uninterrupted succession, alternately implies taking turns, subsequently means simply later, and asynchronously means that simultaneous timing is not required.
The 14 simultaneously options below are listed as quick references first, then explained individually with a natural example.
- Sequentially
- Consecutively
- Successively
- Separately
- Alternately
- Subsequently
- Before
- Afterward
- One after another
- In turn
- At different times
- Asynchronously
- Staggered
- Independently
Sequentially
Sequentially means in a fixed sequence, one event following another.
Example: The samples were processed sequentially.
Consecutively
Consecutively means one after another without interruption.
Example: She worked three nights consecutively.
Successively
Successively means in a series, with each event following the previous one.
Example: The rooms were renovated successively.
Separately
Separately means apart from one another rather than together.
Example: The two applications were reviewed separately.
Alternately
Alternately means by turns, switching between two or more things.
Example: The lights flashed alternately.
Subsequently
Subsequently means at a later time following an earlier event.
Example: The policy was subsequently amended.
Before
Before means at an earlier time than another event.
Example: The inspection took place before the reopening.
Afterward
Afterward means at a later time, once another event has finished.
Example: They discussed the results afterward.
One after another
One after another means in a clear series rather than at the same moment.
Example: The speakers came to the stage one after another.
In turn
In turn means one by one in an ordered sequence.
Example: Each member answered in turn.
At different times
At different times means during separate time periods rather than concurrently.
Example: The two groups arrived at different times.
Asynchronously
Asynchronously means without requiring events or processes to occur at the same time.
Example: Students completed the discussion asynchronously.
Staggered
Staggered means arranged to begin or occur at different times.
Example: Staff returned on staggered schedules.
Independently
Independently means without coordination in timing or action with another event.
Example: The two teams reached the same conclusion independently.
Choosing the Right Contrast to “Simultaneously”
Sequentially, consecutively, and successively emphasize ordered sequence. Separately and at different times stress non-overlap, while asynchronously and staggered are especially useful for systems, work, or scheduled activity.