The right at the same time synonym hinges on one question: timing or contrast. For two actions in one moment, use simultaneously, concurrently or at once. For a balancing thought (the plan is cheap; at the same time, it is slow), switch to however, even so or that said.
Mixing up the two senses is the most common slip with this phrase. Below, each group comes with punctuation tips, before and after swaps and the opposite expressions. Plenty of other connectors sit on our transition and linking words hub, which groups them by job.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps (timing)
simultaneously, concurrently, at once, togetherBest swaps (contrast)
however, even so, still, that saidPart of speech
Adverbial phrase, also a linking phraseMost formal
concurrently, nonethelessMost casual
at once, still, then againAntonyms
separately, one after another, in turnWatch out
Meanwhile means during the same stretch of time, not in the exact same second.
Two jobs, two word groups
Read your sentence and ask one question: does it describe a clock or an argument?
| Job | Swaps | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Same instant | simultaneously, at once, in unison | Both alarms rang simultaneously. |
| Same period | meanwhile, concurrently, in parallel | She studied law and, meanwhile, ran a cafe. |
| Contrast | however, even so, nevertheless | The trip was tiring. Even so, we loved it. |
Picking an at the same time synonym for timing
Moving along the chips, casual gives way to formal. At once is short and spoken: don't all talk at once. Together highlights people acting as a group, so see the together synonyms page if that fits. Meanwhile links two stories running side by side. In parallel suits projects and processes. Concurrently is the office and legal choice: the two contracts run concurrently.
Simultaneously stresses the exact same moment. It is precise, a little long, and best used once per paragraph.
The contrast sense in essays
Writers often use at the same time to admit a second side. Here it behaves like however, but softer, because it suggests both points stay true. That said and even so keep that gentle tone. Nevertheless and nonetheless are firmer and more formal. Yet and still are the shortest options.
Essay line: "Social media connects families. At the same time, it can isolate teenagers." Swap: "Social media connects families. Even so, it can isolate teenagers." The idea of balance survives, and the sentence is shorter.
Want a sharper turn? Try the stronger contrast words collected under on the other hand.
Swaps you can copy
- The kids were laughing and crying at the same time becomes the kids were laughing and crying at once.
- The two apps launched at the same time becomes the two apps launched simultaneously.
- He worked nights and studied at the same time becomes he worked nights and studied in parallel.
- The price is high; at the same time, the quality is great becomes the price is high; that said, the quality is great.
- All the choir members hit the note at the same time becomes the choir hit the note in unison.
Punctuation and placement
In the contrast sense, start a new sentence or follow a semicolon, then add a comma: It is risky. Still, it may pay off. In the timing sense, the swap usually sits after the verb with no comma: they arrived together. While can also replace the phrase when you join two clauses: she cooked while he cleaned.
Opposites: one thing after another
When events do not overlap, use separately, in turn, one after another or the formal consecutively and sequentially.
- The guests spoke in turn, not at once, so everyone was heard.
- Each lane opened sequentially as traffic grew.
- The two sentences will be served consecutively.
Frequently asked questions
Which timing words sound most formal?
Simultaneously and concurrently are the most formal timing words. For the contrast sense, nonetheless and nevertheless sound the most formal.
Is there a single word that means at the same time?
Simultaneously, together and meanwhile are single words for timing. However, yet and still are single words for the contrast sense.
Can I use meanwhile instead of at the same time?
Yes, when two things happen during one period, often in different places. Avoid it when you mean the exact same instant, where simultaneously is clearer.
Is at the same time a transition word?
It can be. When it introduces a contrasting point it acts as a transition, much like however or even so. When it describes timing, it is just an adverbial phrase.
How do you say things happened one by one instead?
Separately, in turn, one after another and consecutively all describe events that do not overlap.
Does simultaneously sound too stiff in an email?
It can. In most work emails, at once or together reads more naturally. Save simultaneously for reports and instructions where timing must be exact.