Synonyms of contemporary help describe things existing at the same time or belonging to the present, such as modern, current, or up-to-date. For example, she prefers contemporary art over classical pieces for its bold creativity. Using the right synonym helps you talk about timelines, styles, or trends more accurately.
Each word adds a layer of relevance, whether historical, cultural, or fashionable. If you’re discussing design, literature, or social movements, selecting the right synonym for contemporary sharpens your message.
In this article, you’ll get the meaning and example sentence for each synonym of contemporary, so you can talk about the present like a pro. Ready to stay current? Let’s go!
What Does Contemporary Mean?
The word contemporary generally refers to something existing, happening, or originating at the same time as something else. It can describe modern trends, people who are peers, or designs and ideas that reflect current times.
Depending on the context, “contemporary” can lean into different shades of meaning:
- Modern or current
- Coexisting in time
- Trendy or cutting-edge
- Of the same age or generation
It’s not typically modest or shy—in fact, it often signals freshness, relevance, and sometimes even boldness.
30 Synonyms of Contemporary and When to Use Them
1. Modern
Use When: Talking about the present era or new technologies
Example: She prefers modern architecture with clean lines.
Tone Tip: Neutral, straightforward; widely accepted in professional and casual contexts.
2. Current
Use When: Referring to the present time or situation
Example: The current trends in fashion lean toward minimalism.
Tone Tip: Best for reports, journalism, or everyday conversation.
3. Present-day
Use When: Describing something in today’s timeframe
Example: Present-day issues require present-day solutions.
Tone Tip: Slightly formal; works well in academic or reflective writing.
4. Up-to-date
Use When: Referring to things that are updated or not outdated
Example: Make sure your software is up-to-date.
Tone Tip: Practical and clear; good for technical and instructional writing.
5. Coexisting
Use When: Highlighting two or more things happening at once
Example: Two ideologies coexisted during that turbulent time.
Tone Tip: Analytical or historical writing benefits most here.
6. Simultaneous
Use When: Describing events that happen at the same time
Example: The two parties held simultaneous press conferences.
Tone Tip: Precise and formal; great for legal or technical contexts.
7. Peer
Use When: Describing people of the same age or status
Example: She was admired by her academic peers.
Tone Tip: Warm and respectful; excellent for social and educational contexts.
8. Modern-day
Use When: Emphasizing current versions of traditional ideas
Example: He’s a modern-day Renaissance man.
Tone Tip: Slightly casual; fits storytelling and media writing.
9. New-age
Use When: Describing alternative or spiritual trends
Example: She practices new-age healing methods.
Tone Tip: Evokes a spiritual or holistic tone; niche audiences.
10. Trendy
Use When: Referring to popular culture or fashion
Example: Trendy restaurants pop up faster than you can book a table.
Tone Tip: Informal, youthful, energetic.
11. Fashionable
Use When: Talking about things in style right now
Example: The café has a fashionable vibe with its neon signage.
Tone Tip: Light and appealing; great for lifestyle writing.
12. Recent
Use When: Describing something not long ago
Example: The recent changes in policy have stirred debate.
Tone Tip: Factual and concise.
13. Concurrent
Use When: Talking about overlapping events or actions
Example: She managed two concurrent projects successfully.
Tone Tip: Professional and technical.
14. Latest
Use When: Highlighting the most updated version
Example: The latest iPhone has impressive features.
Tone Tip: Marketing-friendly and dynamic.
15. Cutting-edge
Use When: Referring to innovative or advanced developments
Example: Their lab uses cutting-edge robotics.
Tone Tip: Bold and confident; good for tech and innovation.
16. State-of-the-art
Use When: Describing the highest level of technology or design
Example: This is a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Tone Tip: Sleek and premium tone; persuasive in business.
17. Hip
Use When: Talking about what’s cool and in style
Example: That band is hip right now.
Tone Tip: Super casual, almost slang.
18. Avant-garde
Use When: Describing experimental or ahead-of-its-time ideas
Example: Her avant-garde performance challenged conventions.
Tone Tip: Artsy, bold, intellectual.
19. Of-the-moment
Use When: Describing fleeting trends
Example: Her outfit was of-the-moment.
Tone Tip: Trendy and informal.
20. Postmodern
Use When: Describing a reaction to modern ideas, often in art or philosophy
Example: The novel has a postmodern narrative style.
Tone Tip: Academic and complex.
21. Emerging
Use When: Talking about something new and still developing
Example: Emerging technologies could reshape healthcare.
Tone Tip: Optimistic and forward-looking.
22. Up-and-coming
Use When: Referring to people or things gaining popularity
Example: He’s an up-and-coming actor in indie films.
Tone Tip: Positive and aspirational.
23. Nouveau
Use When: Describing new styles, especially in design or cuisine
Example: They serve nouveau French dishes.
Tone Tip: Sophisticated and niche.
24. Reigning
Use When: Talking about what’s dominant now
Example: She’s the reigning queen of pop music.
Tone Tip: Dramatic, celebratory.
25. Instant
Use When: Talking about things with immediate effect
Example: Instant feedback is part of contemporary learning.
Tone Tip: Speed-focused and digital.
26. Now
Use When: Emphasizing immediacy and trendiness
Example: That jacket is so now.
Tone Tip: Youthful, bold, casual.
27. Fresh
Use When: Talking about newness in a creative or refreshing way
Example: The campaign brought a fresh perspective.
Tone Tip: Positive, light, and inventive.
28. Synced
Use When: Talking about harmony in timing
Example: Their routines were perfectly synced.
Tone Tip: Modern and precise.
29. In vogue
Use When: Talking about fashion or popularity
Example: Eco-living is in vogue these days.
Tone Tip: Stylish and fashionable.
30. In step
Use When: Referring to alignment with trends or ideas
Example: The company stays in step with digital advancements.
Tone Tip: Coordinated and forward-thinking.
Conclusion
The word contemporary is often used to describe something that exists or occurs in the present, but choosing the right synonym, such as modern, current, present-day, or up-to-date, can bring more clarity and nuance to your message.
Each term carries a slightly different connotation, depending on whether you’re discussing time, style, or relevance. By selecting the most fitting alternative, you can communicate more precisely and make your writing or speech more impactful.
Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms allows you to express contemporary ideas with variety, accuracy, and confidence.
