In the meantime vs Simultaneously

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

In the meantime

Top 2,000 (common)

Simultaneously

Top 2,000 (common) C1 adverb

	In the meantime	Simultaneously
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ɪn ðə ˈmiːnˌtaɪm// 🇺🇸 //ɪn ðə ˈmiːnˌtaɪm//	🇬🇧 /["/ˌsɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˌsaɪmlˈteɪniəsli/"]/
Meaning	During a period of time when something is happening.	At the same time as something else.
Example	I'll prepare dinner; in the meantime, could you set the table?	The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	-	C1
Part of speech		adverb
Collocations	in the meantime, stay busy in the meantime, in the meantime activities	happen simultaneously, simultaneously occur, perform simultaneously
Antonyms	-	sequentially, consecutively, successively
Common mistakes	Using it inappropriately in formal writing without context., Confusing it with 'meanwhile', which has a similar but slightly different nuance., Using it at the beginning of a sentence without a clear time reference.	Using it incorrectly to mean 'separately'., Confusing it with 'simultaneous' which is an adjective., Misplacing it in a sentence which can alter the meaning.
Usage notes	Used to refer to a period of time between two events. Common in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in casual conversations and formal contexts.	Use 'simultaneously' to describe two or more actions happening at the same time. It works well in both spoken and written contexts but may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

In the meantime, study these sand tables, maps, and reconnaissance photos...

In the meantime

We create and perceive our world simultaneously.

We'd have to hit all banks simultaneously. SWAT teams, backup.

We create and perceive our world simultaneously.

We'd have to hit all banks simultaneously. SWAT teams, backup.

Simultaneously

Frequently asked questions: In the meantime vs Simultaneously

What's the difference between In the meantime and Simultaneously?

In the meantime: During a period of time when something is happening. Simultaneously: At the same time as something else.

Can you show an example of each?

In the meantime: I'll prepare dinner; in the meantime, could you set the table? Simultaneously: The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.

Can I use In the meantime and Simultaneously interchangeably?

Not always. In the meantime and Simultaneously are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.