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

—W. M. Thackeray

Synonyms

Adverb

• bang
• directly
• forthwith
• headlong
• immediately
• incontinently
• instantaneously
• instanter
• now
• PDQ
• plumb
• presently
• promptly
• pronto
• right
• right away
• right now
• right off
• straight off
• straightaway
• straightway

Conjunction

• as soon as
• immediately [chiefly British]
• once
• when

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

Always refreshing and energizing to wear, citrus scents are a jolt to the senses, brightening your mood instantly. —Lori Keong, Allure, 22 July 2024

Luna: Like Selene, a reference to the moon or night sky instantly evokes darkness and magic. —Anna Moeslein, Parents, 22 July 2024

The debate instantly set off a crisis among Democrats. —Kevin Breuninger,dan Mangan, CNBC, 21 July 2024

Brown moved to Silver Spring after coming out and instantly felt welcomed by the new community, but initially balked when Heffner encouraged him to fly the Pride flag outside their home or outwardly celebrate their sexuality. —Emma Uber, Washington Post, 18 July 2024

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