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concurrent

adjective
con·​cur·​rent | \ kən-ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce concurrent (audio) , -ˈkə-rənt, kän-\

Definition of concurrent

1 : operating or occurring at the same time
2a : running parallel
b : convergent specifically : meeting or intersecting in a point
3 : acting in conjunction
4 : exercised over the same matter or area by two different authorities concurrent jurisdiction
Other Words from concurrent Synonyms & Antonyms Concurrent and Consecutive What Does concurrent Really Mean? More Example Sentences Learn More about concurrent

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Other Words from concurrent

concurrent noun
concurrently adverb

Concurrent and Consecutive

Consecutive has a good deal in common with the complementary word concurrent. Besides the fact that both begin with the prefix con- (meaning “with, together”), each word deals with the time-order in which several things happen. Concurrent describes things that are occurring, or people who are doing something, at the same time, such as “concurrent users” of a computer program. Consecutive refers to things that are arranged or happen in a sequential order. A criminal who serves a consecutive sentence does time for one conviction after another. If that person gets a concurrent sentence, he or she undergoes all punishments at the same time.

What Does concurrent Really Mean?

Things that are concurrent usually not only happen at the same time but also are similar to each other. So, for example, multitasking computers are capable of performing concurrent tasks. When we take more than one medication at a time, we run the risks involved with concurrent drug use. And at any multiplex theater several movies are running concurrently.

Examples of concurrent in a Sentence

… the last two Mysore Wars in the 1790s, like the concurrent European wars against Revolutionary France, demonstrated Britain's capacity to reassert and reconfigure itself in the wake of crushing global defeats. — Linda Colley, Captives, 2002 Concurrent with the party conventions, an assortment of activists, professional pols and show-biz celebrities with populist pretensions … will gather for four days of speechifying, seminar giving and satirical merrymaking … — Andrew Ferguson, Time, 31 July 2000 Added to other evidence, this led to Cooke's conviction and a sentence of two concurrent twenty-year terms. — David Fisher, Hard Evidence, 1995 the concurrent use of two medications He's currently serving two concurrent life sentences for murder.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 He was found guilty of three counts, the sentences for which were also made concurrent. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Cudahy couple sentenced to prison for extensive child abuse inflicted on 15-year-old daughter," 6 Sep. 2019 In six cases the perpetrators also conducted concurrent crimes, such as vandalism of property [or] shooting other non-game wildlife or game wildlife out of season. — Justin Rohrlich, Quartz, "What kind of animal would shoot a whooping crane?," 29 Aug. 2019 The equivalent expenditure on concurrent list subjects (a constitutional domain shared by New Delhi and the states) went up from 11.8% to 16.4%. — Shoaib Daniyal, Quartz India, "Various cesses levied by the Modi government are squeezing Indian state budgets," 23 Aug. 2019 Three concurrent streams to other TVs or devices are allowed, with the service available to additional smart TVs via a downloadable app. — Ron Hurtibise, sun-sentinel.com, "New AT&T TV streaming service available in only one Florida city — for now," 20 Aug. 2019 Some are concurrent, some are consecutive, the release stated. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Aurora man sentenced for 2017 fatal shooting in Cherry Creek State Park," 3 June 2019 Last year’s League of Legends World Championship had 99.6 million unique viewers, peaking at a concurrent viewer count of 44 million. — Ashley Cullins, The Hollywood Reporter, "Rick Fox Clashes With Esports Venture Partners Over Tournament Slot Sale," 15 Aug. 2019 The concurrent but independent research projects are funded by the Pac-12’s Student Athlete Health and Well-Being Initiative (SAHWBI), which was created by commissioner Larry Scott in 2013 with approval by the presidents and chancellors. — Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Head trauma research: Colorado projects (funded by the Pac-12) aim to reduce, and understand, concussions," 15 Aug. 2019 In fact, other than a name and a suspiciously concurrent IPO timing, WeWork and WeTrade -- which is looking to launch a Chineses travel website -- have no ties and very little in common. — Stephen Gandel, CBS News, "WeWork filed its IPO -- now meet its We Double," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'concurrent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of concurrent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for concurrent

Middle English concurant, concurrent, borrowed from Latin concurrent-, concurrens, present participle of concurrere "to assemble in haste, resort to in large numbers, collide, exist simultaneously, be in agreement" — more at concur

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More Definitions for concurrent

concurrent

adjective
How to pronounce concurrent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of concurrent

formal : happening at the same time

See the full definition for concurrent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

concurrent

adjective
con·​cur·​rent | \ kən-ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce concurrent (audio) \

Legal Definition of concurrent

1 : occurring, arising, or operating at the same time often in relationship, conjunction, association, or cooperation the power of taxation in the general and state governments is acknowledged to be concurrent — McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 316 (1819) a concurrent tortious act — see also concurrent cause at cause, concurrent sentence at sentence
2 : insuring the same property to the same extent under identical terms concurrent fire policies
3 : exercised over the same matter or area by two different authorities — see also concurrent jurisdiction<

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