IMMEDIATE Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

immediate

adjective

i-ˈmē-dē-ət

Definition of immediate

as in instantaneous

done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time felt immediate relief after taking the painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in primary

done or working without something else coming in between she is my immediate superior, so I report to her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in swift

done, carried out, or given without delay immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in near

not being distant in time, space, or significance for the victims of the terrorist attack, the incident is as immediate as yesterday's news

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in current

existing or in progress right now we need to solve the immediate problems before working on the more long-term ones

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 immediate There was no immediate comment from the government, but Nepal has long maintained good relations with China and has disallowed any pro-Tibetan activities. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 But consumers are increasingly looking for more immediate loyalty rewards. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In the immediate area of the crash, Sheldon Road has six general-purpose lanes plus the center turn lanes. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 However, the program generated immediate lawsuits to stop the flights, and the FAA received about 12,400 calls from people complaining about the noise. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immediate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for immediate

Adjective

Transitions between multiple devices were practically instantaneous in my testing, even when one was using LDAC and the other LC3.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Despite the internet’s capacity for instantaneous interaction, followers have proved a poor replacement for friends.

— Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Adjective

Padalecki, a mental health advocate, tweeted a supportive message to Hilton, but quickly deleted it following swift backlash.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Since videos of OpenAI’s first brand trip hosting business and tech influencers hit social media timelines, the backlash has been swift.

— Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of swift

Adjective

Access, however, is poor, with just one road in and one road out, while the nearest train station is a brisk 50-to-55-minute walk away.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
But the legacy sequel as near-inevitability didn’t really take off in earnest until the 2000s, when millennial nostalgia started contracting in quicker cycles.

— Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of near

Adjective

By adjusting the electron-trapping layer, the researchers could tune the device’s current recovery time across an approximately fivefold range.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
Though the current main building was erected in 1902, part of the Old City Hall, which dates to 1845, was incorporated into it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

However, the rise of generative AI providing instant answers has shifted the conversation.

— Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Van Dijk is now into the twilight of his career at the age of 35 and there’s no guarantee Jacquet will forge an instant understanding with the veteran Dutchman.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Adjective

The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable.

— Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Trump called Jones last month and urged him to meet with Jackson, who defeated Jones in a GOP primary in June, according to three people with direct knowledge of the conversation who aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the exchange.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of direct

Adjective

After all, no one throws a parade because your financials are timely or your contracts are organized, but over time, people notice.

— ByThad L. Bench, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
But a severe shortage of human court reporters has led to months-long delays in proceedings, including in some, like requests for domestic violence restraining orders, that require timely responses.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of timely

Browse Nearby Words

immediacy

immediate

immediately

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Style

“Immediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immediate. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of immediate

adjective

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