instantly

1 of 2

adverb

in·​stant·​ly ˈin(t)-stənt-lē How to pronounce instantly (audio)
Synonyms of instantlynext
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

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
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Adverb
That’s why the oil market won’t instantly turn back on like a light switch even as the Strait of Hormuz has reopened. David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 The coordinated outfit takes the guesswork out of getting dressed on busy travel days, and instantly adds a polished finish to your look without requiring any outfit planning. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026 Dying in the season premiere of a show establishes the stakes instantly. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Jace attempts to help, but when he and his own fire-breathing steed are finally settled down at sea, a litany of massive bolts pierce Jace, killing him instantly. Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instantly

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of instantly was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantly. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

instantly

adverb
in·​stant·​ly
ˈin(t)-stənt-lē
: without delay : immediately
came instantly when I called

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