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Preposition after adjective

Contemporary with or contemporary in?

Contemporary with means existing at the same time as something. Contemporary in usually introduces a field or context, not a direct comparison.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with contemporary?

Use contemporary with for people or events from the same period. Use contemporary in when referring to a field, culture, or context.

The poet was contemporary with Shakespeare.
Minimalism became influential contemporary in modern design.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
contemporary with + person/event

Showing the same historical period

Use contemporary with to compare dates or periods.

The philosopher was contemporary with early Roman writers.
2
contemporary in + field/context

Referring to a sphere or setting

In introduces the area where something is considered modern or current.

The style remains contemporary in architecture today.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
contemporary with
The two artists were contemporary with each other.
living or existing at the same time
contemporary in
The approach feels contemporary in education.
modern or current within a field

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in for historical comparison

Use with for people or events from the same era.

✕ The writer was contemporary in Dickens. ✓ The writer was contemporary with Dickens.

Using with for a field of activity

Use in for areas such as design, music, or culture.

✕ The technique is contemporary with fashion. ✓ The technique is contemporary in fashion.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scientist was contemporary ___ Newton.
2. The style looks contemporary ___ interior design.
3. They were contemporary ___ each other.

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Frequently asked questions

Can contemporary be a noun?

Yes. A contemporary is a person living at the same time as another.

Is contemporary with formal?

It is standard and common in historical or academic writing.

Can I say contemporaneous with instead?

Yes. Contemporaneous with is a more formal synonym.

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