ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sync

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɪŋk// UK //sˈɪŋk// sync Informal

v. to make two or more things happen at the same time or work together perfectly. You often use this when talking about moving files between your phone and computer.

v. to synchronise; to cause two or more processes, devices, or data sets to operate at the same rate or contain identical information. Informal in register; a clipped form of 'synchronise'.


SIMPLE

I need to sync my phone with my laptop to save my photos.

CONTEXTUAL

The software allows the team to sync their calendars so everyone knows when the next meeting starts.

COMPLEX

The dancers spent weeks practicing to sync their movements with the complex rhythmic shifts of the orchestral score.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Clipping of synchronization.

Usage

The verb is often used with the preposition 'with'. It can be used transitively or intransitively.

Pitfall

I synced my phone to the computerI synced my phone with the computerWhile 'to' is occasionally heard, 'with' is the standard preposition used to indicate the connection between two devices or data sets.

© 2026 English Reference