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
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
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 is a click-and-go instant camera that prints out photos on the spot, complete with soft tones and old-school charm.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
In an instant, the puppy sprints back to Arguedas, who is filming the moment.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instant
Adjective
The brief moment provides an instant answer to the widespread industry speculation about how Netflix will continue or create a spinoff for its most globally popular show of all time.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 is a click-and-go instant camera that prints out photos on the spot, complete with soft tones and old-school charm.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
Noun
Littered with animation errors, such as the inexplicable change in the number of branches on Charlie Brown’s little Christmas tree, this handmade classic became an instant hit, winning a Peabody and an Emmy the following year.
—Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
In an instant, the puppy sprints back to Arguedas, who is filming the moment.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for instant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instant
Adjective
-
Which is why, over the last couple of years, streamers have been pushing the technological envelope to present instantaneous events like NFL games (on Peacock), celebrity boxing matches (on Netflix), the Golden Globes (on Paramount+) and the Oscars (on Hulu).—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
23 June 2025
-
Flash's interest in the little bird never wavered, Spindler said, their connection instantaneous.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
In response, researchers and experts are sounding the alarm—calling for urgent, comprehensive solutions to reverse these trends and support youth wellbeing.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
30 June 2025
-
Too Much Going On Limits Executive Team Performance Today’s executive teams are pulled in more directions than ever—global priorities, cross-functional initiatives, urgent issues, never-ending decks.—
Elizabeth Freedman,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The current threat represents the parasite's northward march through Central America over two years, reaching Mexico in November 2024 and spreading to within 700 miles of the U.S. border.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
The current valuation doesn’t meet your financial needs or expectations.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
No player under Brown averaged 35 minutes per game in Sacramento in 2023.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
5 July 2025
-
Don't miss a minute of the action, tune in to FOX on Saturday to see which teams start strong in group play.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
In April 2021, Rodriguez-Kennedy said his immediate supervisor told him to take advantage of his position as chair of the county Democratic Party to ensure a favorable outcome for a pending motion.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Business Investment Gets Turbocharged Unlimited bonus depreciation remains intact, allowing immediate expensing of qualifying equipment and improvements.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, Ben & Jerry’s politics have been a headache for its parent, and the tensions between the two have grown more acute as the business community got swept into the culture wars — first pulled to the left in the mid-2010s, then retreating rightward under the second Trump administration.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
30 June 2025
-
Decades later, that feeling is more acute: the gay beach in Chicago where it was taken no longer exists, memorialized today by a 2.5-acre garden in memory of those who lost their lives to AIDS.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
In addition, the year also marks the beginning of a historic F1 journey for the sport's eleventh team, Cadillac F1, while the Sauber F1 team will be present on the grid as an Audi works team following a takeover by the German automaker.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
-
Monty Python’s Albums Peaked in the Same Spot Both of Monty Python’s titles that are present on the Comedy Albums ranking this frame have peaked as high as No. 5.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Downtime Is Not An Option At these densities, even a brief interruption in liquid flow can lead to thermal throttling or overheating in seconds.—
Steven Carlini,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
With two eight-piston monobloc calipers at the front and two six-piston monobloc calipers at the back, the brake system can bring the Bolide from 186 mph to a standstill in 6.0 seconds, doing so in 748 feet.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instant. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share