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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
The team is developing a neuroadaptive control system that allows robots to pick up on signals from the human brain and adjust their actions instantly. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026 Instant Play Quests offer players a new way to instantly try games directly on the platform while removing the purchase, download, and installation barriers. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 The All-American sophomore didn’t even look at the basket, volleying the ball back to Quinonez, and Quinonez instantly swatted it back at Strong as the defender between them faced whiplash trying to get in position. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026 This instantly transforms all that cash back into transferable travel rewards. Ryley Amond,jason Stauffer, CNBC, 17 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

instantly

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

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