instantaneous

adjective

in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs 

-nyəs

1

: done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time

death was instantaneous

2

: done without any delay being purposely introduced

took instantaneous corrective action

3

: occurring or present at a particular instant

instantaneous velocity

instantaneity

ˌin-ˌstan-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē 

ˌin(t)-stən-tə-ˈnē-

noun

instantaneously

ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs-lē 

-nyəs-lē

adverb

instantaneousness noun

Synonyms of instantaneous

• immediate
• instant

Examples of instantaneous in a Sentence

We got an almost instantaneous response from the company.

the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous

Recent Examples on the Web

When machines need to communicate with each other at near instantaneous speeds, the network becomes the make-or-break factor. — Ivo Ivanov, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The device produces instantaneous audio that is clear, detailed, and loud, even without the aid of additional speakers. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

The rise of Nashville Severe Weather is a modern case study in multiple areas — a shifting tornado alley, a changing climate, the prevalence of social media and the value of instantaneous, hyperlocal information that can save the day or save lives. — ABC News, 7 July 2026

With the craft's communications failing within the first two hours, the submersible imploded upon descent, resulting in their instantaneous deaths. — Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin instantāneus, from instant-, instans "moment, point of time," + Latin -āneus, suffix forming adjectives from temporal adverbs — more at instant entry 1

Note: Regarding the suffix -āneus see the etymology and note at spontaneous.

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for instantaneous

• aeneas

Kids Definition

instantaneous

adjective

in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs 

-nyəs

1

: happening in an instant

2

: done without delay

instantaneously adverb

instantaneousness noun