The phrase “at the same time” is commonly used to express simultaneous actions, balanced perspectives, or contrasting ideas. It’s versatile — appearing in both formal essays and casual conversation.
However, overusing “at the same time” can make writing sound repetitive. Whether you’re writing an academic essay, an email, or a report, there are plenty of elegant alternatives to keep your language fresh and precise.
Here are 25+ alternatives to “at the same time” — with meanings, examples, best uses, and tone for each.
1. Simultaneously
Meaning: Happening at exactly the same moment.
Example: The two experiments were conducted simultaneously in different labs.
Best Use: Academic or formal writing.
Tone: Formal, precise.
2. Concurrently
Meaning: Events occurring or existing together in time.
Example: The company managed two major projects concurrently.
Best Use: Business or professional contexts.
Tone: Technical, formal.
3. In Tandem
Meaning: Working or happening together in coordination.
Example: The marketing and sales teams worked in tandem to launch the campaign.
Best Use: Workplace or project settings.
Tone: Professional, collaborative.
4. Meanwhile
Meaning: During the same period of time.
Example: She was finishing her report; meanwhile, the team prepared the presentation.
Best Use: Transitional word for storytelling or writing.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
5. At Once
Meaning: Doing multiple things at a single time or immediately.
Example: He tried to answer emails and attend the call at once.
Best Use: Everyday speech or informal writing.
Tone: Casual, conversational.
6. In Parallel
Meaning: Happening side by side or in coordination.
Example: The training will occur in parallel with the main project.
Best Use: Technical, academic, or project contexts.
Tone: Formal, structured.
7. Alongside
Meaning: Happening together or supporting another activity.
Example: The teacher worked alongside students to complete the project.
Best Use: Cooperative or descriptive contexts.
Tone: Neutral, flexible.
8. Together
Meaning: Performing an action jointly or at the same moment.
Example: They sang together during the performance.
Best Use: Conversational or narrative writing.
Tone: Warm, simple.
9. Coinciding With
Meaning: Occurring at the same moment or overlapping in time.
Example: The festival coincided with the start of the new season.
Best Use: Formal essays or descriptive contexts.
Tone: Formal, refined.
10. Synchronously
Meaning: Happening in sync or exactly at the same time.
Example: The devices communicated synchronously through the network.
Best Use: Technical or scientific writing.
Tone: Precise, academic.
11. In Unison
Meaning: Acting or occurring in perfect harmony.
Example: The crowd cheered in unison as the team scored.
Best Use: Creative or expressive writing.
Tone: Poetic, descriptive.
12. During This Time
Meaning: Refers to events happening within the same period.
Example: The meeting began; during this time, he reviewed the report.
Best Use: Essays or reports.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
13. Together With
Meaning: In combination or cooperation.
Example: The app, together with its updates, launched successfully.
Best Use: Business or formal writing.
Tone: Professional, smooth.
14. Concurrent With
Meaning: Existing or occurring alongside another event.
Example: The lecture was held concurrent with the seminar.
Best Use: Academic or technical contexts.
Tone: Formal, scholarly.
15. In the Meantime
Meaning: While something else is happening or until another event occurs.
Example: The repairs will take a week; in the meantime, use the backup system.
Best Use: Informal writing or speech.
Tone: Conversational, friendly.
16. At Once
Meaning: Doing several things simultaneously or immediately.
Example: She spoke, typed, and listened all at once.
Best Use: Everyday communication.
Tone: Informal, lively.
17. As One
Meaning: Acting together in harmony or unity.
Example: The team moved forward as one to meet the goal.
Best Use: Motivational or expressive language.
Tone: Inspirational, collective.
18. Side by Side
Meaning: Happening together or in close cooperation.
Example: The departments worked side by side to meet the deadline.
Best Use: Professional or narrative writing.
Tone: Neutral, collaborative.
19. Hand in Hand
Meaning: Closely connected or occurring together.
Example: Innovation and teamwork go hand in hand.
Best Use: Inspirational writing or business contexts.
Tone: Positive, motivational.
20. Coexistently
Meaning: Happening or existing at the same time without conflict.
Example: The old and new systems function coexistently.
Best Use: Academic or analytical contexts.
Tone: Formal, objective.
21. In Concert
Meaning: Acting together toward a shared purpose.
Example: The two leaders worked in concert to finalize the deal.
Best Use: Formal communication or speeches.
Tone: Elegant, diplomatic.
22. At That Moment
Meaning: Refers to a specific point of simultaneous action.
Example: At that moment, the lights went out and the crowd gasped.
Best Use: Storytelling or narrative essays.
Tone: Descriptive, neutral.
23. Coextensively
Meaning: Extending or occurring over the same period or space.
Example: The two trends developed coextensively throughout the decade.
Best Use: Academic or analytical writing.
Tone: Scholarly, formal.
24. All Together Now
Meaning: Indicates joint participation or simultaneous action.
Example: All together now, let’s welcome our new members!
Best Use: Group motivation or public speaking.
Tone: Friendly, energetic.
25. In Coordination
Meaning: Operating in an organized, simultaneous manner.
Example: The departments worked in coordination to launch the project.
Best Use: Workplace or management writing.
Tone: Professional, organized.
26. At Once in Harmony
Meaning: Describes simultaneous action in balance or agreement.
Example: Their ideas came together at once in harmony to solve the issue.
Best Use: Creative or formal writing.
Tone: Polished, expressive.
Conclusion
The phrase “at the same time” can be replaced with more dynamic, precise, or context-appropriate expressions depending on your tone and purpose:
- For formal writing: use simultaneously, concurrently, in tandem, in parallel.
- For casual use: try meanwhile, together, at once.
- For expressive or creative tone: go with in unison, hand in hand, in concert.
