instantly

1 of 2

adverb

in·​stant·​ly ˈin(t)-stənt-lē 

1

: without the least delay : immediately

2

: with importunity : urgently

instantly

2 of 2

conjunction

: as soon as

… he ran across the grass instantly he perceived his mother …

—William Thackeray

Synonyms of instantly

Adverb

• immediately
• promptly
• now
• directly

Conjunction

• when
• immediately
• once

Examples of instantly in a Sentence

Adverb

His voice is instantly recognizable.

They instantly fell in love.

She was killed instantly when her car hit a tree.

Conjunction

we realized there would be problems instantly we saw the final report

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Currently live across thirty different currencies and a vast network of countries, Magellan allows a business to instantly establish local virtual banking accounts abroad. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 June 2026

It was made using a 3D printing technique in which a liquid resin solidifies instantly when exposed to UV laser light. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

When a generative AI tool instantly produces a smart-sounding email, reps can begin to see outreach as a volume game. — Ray Makela, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Instead, start small, with easy upgrades that have the power to instantly elevate. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from instant instant entry 2 + -ly -ly entry 2

Conjunction

derivative of instantly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Conjunction

1793, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

instantly

adverb

in·​stant·​ly

ˈin(t)-stənt-lē

: without delay : immediately

came instantly when I called