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sync up

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

Make sure everyone or everything is working at the same time and knows the same things

Literal meaning: To synchronize upward — 'sync' is a shortening of 'synchronize', meaning to operate at the same time.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

(Technology) To update or match data between two or more devices or systems so they contain identical information

"Make sure you sync up your phone with your laptop before the trip so all your files are up to date."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(Business/informal) To meet or communicate briefly in order to align plans, share updates, or coordinate actions

"Can we sync up before the client call to make sure we're saying the same thing?"

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To match or coordinate timing so that two things happen simultaneously

"The director struggled to sync up the music with the action on screen."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in both tech contexts (syncing devices, files) and business/team contexts (scheduling a meeting to align on plans). Heavily used in corporate and startup culture. 'Sync' alone is increasingly used as a standalone verb.

Commonly used with

calendars devices files schedules team data

Forms

Base
sync up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
syncs up
he/she/it
Past simple
synced up
yesterday
Past participle
synced up
have + pp
-ing form
syncing up
continuous

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