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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
Crystals have been popping up everywhere, from face masks to coffee cups, and there’s something about those tiny, light-catching gems that delivers an instant hit of dopamine. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026 While kids played Pac-Man at the arcade, organizations began connecting online and found an easier path to compete in the global economy through email and instant access to information. — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
Fig, Blue Cheese, and Honey Scones These ultra-buttery scones were an instant hit with our tasters. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 16 Sep. 2026 The show was an instant hit and ended up winning Outstanding Comedy Series five years in a row from 2010 to 2014. — Keith Langston, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 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
  • Lauletta and team have ambitions to achieve a rare feat in the sport — building a brand big enough to generate instantaneous recognition beyond the NASCAR bubble.
    — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • While the near synchronicity of the worldwide foram flips might seem puzzling, Darling and Ujiié pointed out that what appears instantaneous in the fossil record might unfold over 1,000 years or more in real time.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • The imperative to continue to innovate and scale climate technology feels more urgent to me every year.
    — Stéphane Germain, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
  • An urgent competition for the Moon The flashpoint of the near future is the Moon, where both NASA and China are in a contest to not just land humans but also establish a long-term settlement.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • Before automatically reaching for the next achievement, notice how the current direction actually feels.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • By changing the current sent to the motor, the researchers can set its jump height with single-centimeter accuracy.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of current
Noun
  • But the 33-minute album is overlaid with sugary melodies that feel monochromatic.
    — Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
  • At a cruising speed of around 200 km/h, its flight time can reach approximately 17 minutes.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • The view here is that Russini’s lack of honesty with both her employers and readers, in the immediate aftermath of the publishing of the Arizona resort photos, was nearly as egregious as growing too close to a source.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
  • With sequels in the Batman and Superman franchises on the horizon, a DC team-up between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel doesn’t seem to be in the immediate future.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • At the start of the war, many economists and analysts feared that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz would provoke an acute energy crisis and economic downturn, or worse.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Five people were charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine to Perry, who died from acute effects of the drug.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of acute
Adjective
  • Fungal or Bacterial Stress Suzano says fungal or bacterial stress can be identified by its distinct brown or black leaf spots that may have a yellow halo around them or present with a white powder.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Back in present day, John has managed to exhume Hal’s body and retrieve the decommissioned power ring, awakening the Halogram to get his help opening the lockbox in the storage unit.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of present
Noun
  • The Tigers pulled to within a point with 23 seconds left in the game after Tre Nichols escaped a trio of would-be tacklers and lofted a 67-yard touchdown pass to Carter McElhany.
    — Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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