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

Musicians broadly have faced mechanical and digital competition for well over a century, first from the phonograph, then the radio, and later the instantaneous on-demand technologies that emerged with the internet and Spotify. —Adam Ozimek, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026

Jacquemus + Nike After instantaneous success in September 2025 with the Moon Shoe’s first relaunch, Jacquemus + Nike is back for round two with a campaign fronted by Solange. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

Transcription services have already made a formerly tedious process instantaneous, allowing reporters to process more information and get stories out quicker. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026

France tapped his helmet, indicating a challenge, and a near-instantaneous replay on the video board showed the ball passed 1/10th of an inch outside the strike zone. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 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