INSTANTANEOUS Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

instantaneous

adjective

ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs

Definition of instantaneous

as in immediate

done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous

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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 instantaneous Despite the internet’s capacity for instantaneous interaction, followers have proved a poor replacement for friends. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 Though nearly instantaneous by 19th-century standards, the transmission took more than 16 hours. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 That transition is not instantaneous, and for a few minutes the two systems overlap. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Within the white space, high-density GPU racks require instantaneous, high-rate discharge to insulate servers against power spikes and dropouts. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instantaneous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instantaneous

Adjective

The oil market remains in backwardation, a phenomenon that occurs where futures contracts with immediate or near-term deliveries sell at a premium over later deliveries, suggesting an expectation that prices will fall over time.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
This weekend, religious leaders are expected to travel to Springfield to request the immediate release of one of the pastors, Joubert Adrien, from immigration detention after he was detained while riding as a passenger in a car.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

Self Simulated is an obstacle-course platformer that recalls Super Meat Boy, but it's held back by controls that aren't nearly as tight and frustratingly large instant-kill hit boxes.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Things changed — and quickly — in the sixth inning as the Sox displayed their ability for instant offense.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

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instant

instantaneous

instantaneously

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“Instantaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instantaneous. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instantaneous

adjective

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