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

The soft, lightweight layer features ribbed detailing that instantly dresses up classic jeans or trousers. — Kaitlin Gates, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026

Step inside the glassy tower and the mood softens instantly; warm wood panelling, geometric latticework and ikebana arrangements nod to traditional craftsmanship; lantern-like lighting casts a gentle glow across stone floors and neutral textiles. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

Kaden Matsuda, 19, and Jackson Donlon, 20, died instantly from multiple blunt force injuries, an autopsy found, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and coroner’s office. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

The kind of performer who shows up and instantly makes things better, or brighter, or somehow richer. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 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