Synonyms of immediate

immediate

adjective

i-ˈmē-dē-ət 

1

as in instantaneous

done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time

felt immediate relief after taking the painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instantaneous
• instant
• rapid
• split-second
• quick
• swift
• summary
• straightaway
• prompt
• speedy
• fast
• hit-and-run

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slow
• prolonged
• sluggish
• protracted
• deferred
• tardy
• dilatory
• delayed

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

• primary
• direct
• firsthand
• unmediated
• clinical
• empirical
• efficient
• proximate
• hands-on

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indirect
• secondhand

3

as in swift

done, carried out, or given without delay

immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• swift
• timely
• quick
• prompt
• speedy
• early
• punctual
• ready
• apt
• willing
• opportune
• seasonable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• belated
• late
• tardy
• overdue
• delinquent
• delayed
• behind
• slow
• detained
• latish
• dilatory
• laggard
• behindhand

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

• near
• close
• nearby
• proximate
• at hand
• next-door
• neighboring
• to hand
• convenient
• nigh
• coming
• adjacent
• close-up
• contiguous
• forthcoming
• adjoining
• upcoming
• handy
• oncoming
• accessible
• approaching
• abutting
• bordering
• close-in
• hand-to-hand

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distant
• deep
• remote
• far
• away
• far-off
• faraway
• separated
• divorced
• removed

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

• current
• ongoing
• present
• recent
• instant
• existing
• new
• present-day
• existent
• extant
• modern
• contemporary
• modernistic
• up-to-date
• newfangled
• ultramodern
• being
• breathing
• mod
• supermodern
• red-hot
• space-age
• new-fashioned
• living

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• future
• coming
• unborn
• over
• terminated
• through
• up
• ended
• finished
• completed
• old
• ancient
• obsolete
• done
• concluded
• past
• archaic
• former
• old-time
• antiquated
• old-fashioned
• antique
• antediluvian
• out-of-date
• outworn
• dated
• erstwhile
• musty
• bygone
• noncontemporary
• fusty
• ago
• oldfangled
• passé

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of immediate

Legal issues delayed any immediate development plans, leaving the vacant Sears building as a shell of its former self among the vibrancy of Town Center mall. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

The immediate priority for the two entities involves selecting a host location for a physical pilot installation. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

Becchina said there were no immediate signs of foul play, but said police would investigate the death. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

The first Cotoletta, on Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, was an immediate hit and still draws lines of diners eager to try the restaurant’s veal Milanese (which not incidentally is the only entree on the menu). — Connie Ogle july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026