instant 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

instant

2 of 2

noun

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
The Cowboys aren’t one instant-impact free agent away from improving this defense. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026 Your family will rave about the rich gravy, flavored with stout, balsamic vinegar, and a couple of tablespoons of instant dark-roast coffee. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
Scott Mayfield’s overeagerness left Schaefer alone with Carlsson and Gauthier, and Carlsson waited out his pass for a Gauthier one-timer until the last instant. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026 An instant-read thermometer should read at least 165 degrees in the center of the meat. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instant
Adjective
  • Transcription services have already made a formerly tedious process instantaneous, allowing reporters to process more information and get stories out quicker.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 4 Mar. 2026
  • France tapped his helmet, indicating a challenge, and a near-instantaneous replay on the video board showed the ball passed 1/10th of an inch outside the strike zone.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Dog walkers recently stumbled across strange-looking footprints on a Scottish beach — a discovery that triggered an urgent archaeological excavation.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Those specialists estimated the building needs $329 million in urgent repairs and more than $1 billion over 20 years for full modernization.
    Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Broadcom reported earnings and revenue beat, and issued a strong forecast for the current period, as the chipmaker rides the artificial intelligence boom.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026
  • That’s wins in 10 straight road outings for the Hornets, who also own the NBA’s longest current longest overall win streak at six games — with all the triumphs coming by at least 16 points.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kenyan Priscah Cherono took the lead immediately in the women’s race and was already two minutes ahead of the chase pack by the ninth mile.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Alternatively, fly into Johannesburg and connect to Polokwane, where the lodge arranges a 90-minute road transfer.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When a fire alarm fails, a sprinkler system shuts down, or a fire marshal issues a violation notice, businesses often face immediate safety and compliance concerns.
    Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The response in her comments was immediate and effusive.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • According to medical records obtained by EW at the time of Hulk's death, the pro wrestler died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The company in recent years expanded into blood disorders with the approval of its gene-editing treatment Casgevy and acute pain with its drug Journavx.
    Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Charlie Kirk was present at the Air Force Academy’s last board meeting before his assassination in August 2025, according to the official minutes of the meeting.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said the munition was used in Israel's last war with Hezbollah, over a year ago, on numerous occasions in southern Lebanon, while civilians were still present.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Wildcats began applying more defensive pressure in the second quarter, forcing two turnovers against UConn through the first 90 seconds after the Huskies gave up two in the entire opening quarter.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 35 points on 13-of-17 shooting, 12 rebounds and seven assists before fouling out in the final seconds.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instant. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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