1
as in instantaneous
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time
felt immediate relief after taking the painkiller
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in primary
done or working without something else coming in between
she is my immediate superior, so I report to her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in swift
done, carried out, or given without delay
immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in near
not being distant in time, space, or significance
for the victims of the terrorist attack, the incident is as immediate as yesterday's news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in current
existing or in progress right now
we need to solve the immediate problems before working on the more long-term ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Thesaurus Entries Near immediate
Cite this Entry
“Immediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immediate. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on immediate
Nglish: Translation of immediate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of immediate for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
-
Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying
Trust us
-
Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins
You've used more than you might think
-
Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. 2
When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do
-
When Were Words First Used?
Look up any year to find out
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share