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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Recent Examples of instantaneous
The partnership delivered near instantaneous results.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The familiarity was instantaneous.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, Congress passed the country's first major crypto legislation, establishing rules for a growing area of crypto called stablecoins — digital currencies that allow for almost instantaneous transfers between parties anywhere in the world.
—Rafael Nam, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Stores increasingly use it to track customers suspected of shoplifting, entertainment venues deploy it during big events, and many cellphones give users the option to unlock their devices with an instantaneous face scan.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instantaneous
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The familiarity was instantaneous.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, Congress passed the country's first major crypto legislation, establishing rules for a growing area of crypto called stablecoins — digital currencies that allow for almost instantaneous transfers between parties anywhere in the world.
—Rafael Nam, NPR, 7 Feb. 2026
Stores increasingly use it to track customers suspected of shoplifting, entertainment venues deploy it during big events, and many cellphones give users the option to unlock their devices with an instantaneous face scan.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instantaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instantaneous
Adjective
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Such speed-sensitive metamaterials have immediate applications in soft robotics.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Either way, their words likely have value beyond the immediate moment, so listen closely!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Long before cell phones, the internet, or instant communications, the storm struck almost without warning and at a disastrous time of day, especially in the Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, metro areas.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
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Add chickpeas or white beans to salads for instant substance.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Martha Stewart,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instantaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instantaneous. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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