Synchronise or synchronize? Both spellings are correct. The main difference is regional spelling preference. Synchronize is the standard spelling in American English, while synchronise is commonly used in British English and other varieties that generally follow British spelling conventions. Both words have the same meaning: to make things happen at the same time or to make them work together accurately.
This spelling difference often confuses English learners because many British English words use -ise, while American English commonly uses -ize. The same pattern can be seen in words such as organise/organize, realise/realize, and recognise/recognize. Understanding the pattern makes it much easier to choose the right form when writing for a particular audience.
Quick Answer
Synchronise and synchronize are both correct spellings of the same verb. Synchronize is preferred in American English, while synchronise is widely used in British English. They mean “to make things happen or operate at the same time.” Choose one spelling and use it consistently.
Why Do People Confuse It?
People often confuse synchronise and synchronize because the two words have exactly the same pronunciation and meaning. The only difference is the spelling of the final part of the word: -ise versus -ize.
The confusion becomes greater because British English does not always use only -ise spellings. In fact, -ize spellings are also accepted in British English, particularly in dictionaries and styles that follow the traditional -ize convention.
American English, however, strongly favors -ize in words such as:
- synchronize
- organize
- realize
- recognize
- apologize
So, if you are writing for an American audience, synchronize is the safest choice. If you are following a British spelling style, synchronise is common and natural.
First Word: Synchronise
Synchronise is a verb meaning to make two or more things happen at the same time or operate together in coordination.
It is especially common in British English and in other varieties of English influenced by British spelling.
Examples of “Synchronise”
- Please synchronise the two devices.
- The dancers must synchronise their movements.
- The app will synchronise your data automatically.
- We need to synchronise our schedules.
- The two clocks do not synchronise properly.
- The files are synchronised across all devices.
The related noun is synchronisation, while the adjective is synchronised.
For example:
The system uses automatic data synchronisation.
Second Word: Synchronize
Synchronize has exactly the same meaning as synchronise. It is the spelling most commonly expected in American English.
It is also widely understood internationally because American English is common in technology, software, and digital products.
Examples of “Synchronize”
- Please synchronize the two devices.
- The dancers must synchronize their movements.
- The application will synchronize your files.
- We need to synchronize our schedules.
- The watches automatically synchronize with the server.
- You can synchronize your contacts with your computer.
The related forms include synchronization and synchronized.
For example:
The software supports automatic synchronization.
Synchronise vs Synchronize: Comparison Table
| Feature | Synchronise | Synchronize |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Make things happen together | Make things happen together |
| Pronunciation | Same | Same |
| Spelling | -ise | -ize |
| Common preference | British English | American English |
| Noun | synchronisation | synchronization |
| Past tense | synchronised | synchronized |
| Meaning difference | None | None |
| Correct? | Yes | Yes |
The important point is that there is no difference in meaning. The choice is mainly a matter of spelling convention and audience.
When Should You Use Each?
Use “Synchronise” in British English
Choose synchronise when you are following a British English spelling style and want consistency with other -ise words.
For example:
The phones automatically synchronise with the account.
You may also see this spelling in British-oriented educational materials, publications, and websites.
Use “Synchronize” in American English
Choose synchronize when writing in American English.
For example:
The phones automatically synchronize with the account.
This is particularly common in American software documentation and technology-related writing.
What About British English and “-ize”?
It is important not to assume that -ize is always wrong in British English. British English can use both -ise and -ize spellings, depending on the dictionary, publisher, institution, or style guide being followed.
Therefore, synchronise is a common British form, but synchronize can also be found in British English.
The key is consistency. If your document uses organise, realise, and recognise, using synchronise keeps the spelling pattern consistent.
10+ Examples of Synchronise and Synchronize
The meaning remains unchanged regardless of the spelling.
- British: Please synchronise your calendar with the application.
American: Please synchronize your calendar with the application. - British: The two machines need to synchronise.
American: The two machines need to synchronize. - British: We should synchronise our schedules before the meeting.
American: We should synchronize our schedules before the meeting. - British: The music and video must synchronise perfectly.
American: The music and video must synchronize perfectly. - British: The devices synchronise automatically.
American: The devices synchronize automatically. - British: The dancers moved in synchronise—
This sentence is incorrect because synchronise is a verb.
A better sentence is: The dancers moved in synchrony. - British: The system synchronised the files overnight.
American: The system synchronized the files overnight. - British: You can synchronise your contacts with your phone.
American: You can synchronize your contacts with your phone. - British: The clocks were synchronised with the official time.
American: The clocks were synchronized with the official time. - British: The software synchronises your information across devices.
American: The software synchronizes your information across devices. - British: The teams must synchronise their efforts.
American: The teams must synchronize their efforts. - British: The camera and microphone are synchronised.
American: The camera and microphone are synchronized.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking one spelling is incorrect
A common mistake is believing that synchronise or synchronize is always wrong.
Both spellings are legitimate. The choice depends largely on the English variety and style being used.
Mistake 2: Mixing spelling styles
Try to avoid unnecessary mixtures such as:
We need to organise and synchronize the files.
This is not necessarily grammatically incorrect, but a consistent spelling style is usually preferable.
If you are using British -ise spellings, you may prefer:
We need to organise and synchronise the files.
If you are using American English:
We need to organize and synchronize the files.
Mistake 3: Thinking pronunciation changes
The pronunciation of synchronise and synchronize is essentially the same.
The spelling changes, but the meaning and normal pronunciation do not.
Mistake 4: Confusing “synchronize” with “synchrony”
Synchronize is a verb.
The devices synchronize automatically.
Synchrony is a noun referring to things occurring together or at the same time.
The dancers moved in perfect synchrony.
Mistake 5: Using “synchronise” as a noun
The verb is synchronise/synchronize.
The noun is:
- synchronisation in common British spelling
- synchronization in American spelling
For example:
Automatic synchronization is enabled.
Memory Trick
A simple way to remember the difference is:
British → synchronise → S
American → synchronize → Z
Think of the final letter:
British: -ISE
American: -IZE
The same pattern can help you remember several related pairs:
- organise / organize
- realise / realize
- recognise / recognize
- apologise / apologize
- synchronise / synchronize
However, remember that British English can also use -ize in many words, so this is a useful spelling preference rather than an absolute rule.
American vs British English
The most useful distinction is the spelling convention.
American English generally uses “synchronize.”
The devices synchronize automatically.
British English commonly uses “synchronise.”
The devices synchronise automatically.
However, British English also permits -ize spellings in many cases. Some British dictionaries and publishing styles prefer -ize, while many British writers and publications commonly use -ise.
Therefore, it is better to think of this as a regional and style difference, rather than saying that one spelling is correct and the other is incorrect.
If you are writing for an international audience, either form will normally be understood.
Similar Words
Several English words have the same -ise/-ize spelling variation.
Organise vs Organize
Both mean to arrange or plan something.
- British: organise
- American: organize
Realise vs Realize
Both mean to become aware of or understand something.
- British: realise
- American: realize
Recognise vs Recognize
Both mean to identify or acknowledge something.
- British: recognise
- American: recognize
Apologise vs Apologize
Both mean to say that you are sorry.
- British: apologise
- American: apologize
Synchronisation vs Synchronization
These are the corresponding noun forms of synchronise/synchronize.
- British: synchronisation
- American: synchronization
The same regional spelling pattern often appears across related forms.
Final Verdict
Synchronise and synchronize are both correct. They have the same meaning, pronunciation, and grammatical function.
Use synchronize when following American English spelling. Use synchronise when following the common British -ise spelling style. If you are writing a longer document, choose one style and apply it consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “synchronise” correct?
Yes. Synchronise is a correct spelling and is commonly used in British English and other varieties that follow British spelling conventions.
Is “synchronize” correct?
Yes. Synchronize is correct and is the standard spelling used in American English.
Is synchronise British or American?
Synchronise is primarily associated with British English spelling. American English normally uses synchronize.
Is synchronize British English?
Yes, synchronize can be used in British English. British English allows -ize spellings in many words, although -ise is very common.
What is the difference between synchronise and synchronize?
There is no difference in meaning. The difference is spelling. Synchronise uses -ise, while synchronize uses -ize.
Which is more common in American English?
Synchronize is the normal American English spelling.
Which is more common in British English?
Synchronise is very common in British English, although synchronize is also an accepted spelling in British usage.
Should I use synchronise or synchronize in formal writing?
Use the spelling that matches the English variety or style guide required by your audience. For American English, use synchronize. For a British -ise style, use synchronise.
Remember This
- Synchronise = common British -ise spelling
- Synchronize = standard American -ize spelling
- Both are correct.
- Both have the same meaning.
- Both are pronounced the same way.
- Synchronisation and synchronization follow the same spelling distinction.
- Consistency matters when choosing a spelling style.
Conclusion
The choice between synchronise and synchronize is mainly a matter of English spelling conventions. Synchronize is the usual American English form, while synchronise is widely used in British English. Neither spelling changes the meaning of the word, and both are easily understood by English speakers worldwide.
If you are writing for American readers, choose synchronize. If you are following a British -ise spelling style, choose synchronise. Once you understand the -ise versus -ize pattern, this spelling difference becomes much easier to remember and use correctly.
