instant 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of instantnext
1
as in instantaneous
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time an instant response to the cry for help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention an instant need for food supplies in the famine-stricken country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in current
existing or in progress right now we should be more concerned with instant dangers than with those in the far-off future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

instant

2 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stənt How to pronounce instant (audio)
as in minute
a very small space of time it all happened in an instant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of instant
Adjective
Supporters argue that the job has grown and that constituents now expect instant replies by text, email and social media. — Adam Wood, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026 Just before serving, dust with instant espresso powder if desired; sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt. — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
From toddlers to teenagers, products are engineered around instant rewards, compulsive engagement, and habit formation. — Amy L. Kennedy, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 Partially cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of a thigh registers at least 165°, 15–18 minutes. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instant
  1. instantaneous
  2. urgent
  3. current
  4. minute
  5. immediate
  6. acute
  7. present
  8. second
Adjective
  • Cameras can’t see through dense fog or measure instantaneous velocity like radar can.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This configuration feeds real-time grip, yaw and velocity data into a central computer, executing independent, instantaneous torque vectoring across the rear wheels.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • While other options remain on the table, including a possible rescue deal, the situation has become increasingly urgent as more lawyers continue to prepare to leave, according to two people with knowledge of internal discussions.
    — Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Kosovo's Parliament convened for an urgent session on Monday in response to Zekaj's death.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • Instead of relying on an external mechanical tool to move the molecule, the current itself powers the motion.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • If the current odds in all those states hold, the Democrats would win 18 out of 35 races and shift the majority from 53-47 for the Republicans to 52-48 for the Democrats.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of current
Noun
  • According to local media reports, employees in Area A, where the laboratory is located, were instructed to shelter in place for approximately 30 minutes.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The ruling warns that the last-minute intervention could disenfranchise eligible voters, disrupt the midterm election and invite political meddling.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • But a staff report by the Development Review Committee noted that the building is significantly larger in mass and scale than its immediate surroundings and suggested design tweaks to reduce the massing effect.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The move has already drawn immediate and intense concern from scientists and medical professionals, who are wary that the decision will result in confusion and harm to consumers.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • The pain people feel from inflation in healthcare can be especially acute because the dollar amounts can be large.
    — Ari Pinkus, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
  • One student survived, but the other later died from complications of acute fentanyl intoxication, according to investigators.
    — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of acute
Adjective
  • Multiple bulk containers of sauces and dips in walk-in cooler nearest back loading area have unhandled utensils present in product for dispensing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • New regulations starting in 2027 will also limit tax credits for certain lawfully present immigrants, which could result in an additional 1 million uninsured individuals over time.
    — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of present
Noun
  • With 13 seconds left and third down at the Braves’ 12, Guess threw the ball up toward the end zone and Brown, his best friend since the age of 6, caught it for a touchdown.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Eventually the inevitability of gravity brings them close enough to suddenly merge, sending out a tremendous blast of matter and energy that can outshine the sun by a factor of many billions, though just for the briefest fraction of a second.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of second

Browse Nearby Words

instancy
instant
instantaneous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instant. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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