instant 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of instantnext
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

instant

2 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stənt How to pronounce instant (audio)
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
Adjective
As for going up, the almost instant torque of an electric motor helps a ton. — New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026 Read on for more and don’t forget to subscribe to my free newsletter or TikTok for instant deal alerts and more tech news. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
Fauci came across as a remarkable narcissist, someone obsessed with his own instant and surprising fame. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Sullivan gives her a gaze that can shift in an instant from doe-eyed warmth to dead-eyed menace — and physical fluidity with just a hint of mechanical stiffness and killer strength when threatened. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instant
  1. instantaneous
  2. urgent
  3. current
  4. minute
  5. immediate
  6. acute
  7. present
  8. second
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
  • Practicing isolating these muscles and squeezing them when not in urgent need of a bathroom can help in the longer term when dealing with the need to go to the bathroom without a toilet readily available.
    — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The grand jury believed that LINXS took advantage of the urgent need to get the project done for high profile sporting events as a way to leverage change order demands.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of urgent
Adjective
  • Such is a reality of a salary-cap — and in the Heat’s current case, hard-cap — league that forces choices.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In April, the Department of Justice indicted 10 current and former Mexican officials, including a Morena party official, on charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of current
Noun
  • The benefit of different formats The average club pre-season lasts six weeks, so there is a lot to cram in — and a regular 90-minute friendly does not always allow all your players the necessary game time.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The show’s cast and crew stopped by San Diego Comic-Con in July to release the first few minutes of Season 3, which opened with Thalia Grace battling a monster.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • Coming out of the blocks quickly again is crucial, because an immediate exit from Europe could have damaging repercussions for the rest of the season.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After Manitou Springs began charging for parking, Klaver said his business there saw an immediate change.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • Prior to that show, Stewart, who has a history of thyroid cancer surgery, canceled and postponed concert stops in June following a diagnosis of acute upper respiratory infection, laryngitis and vocal fold strain.
    — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Davis said the pain from her condition can be acute at times, while standing and walking is not always easy.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of acute
Adjective
  • The wardrobes, however spacious, were creaky; none of the typical five-star tech touches are present—no Nespresso machine, no Dyson hair dryer, no in-wall USB outlets, though there is a charging dock.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Archaeologist Alfred Lucas, who was part of Howard Carter’s team which excavated the tomb and present at the time, was reportedly hospitalized from the shock of it.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of present
Noun
  • After grabbing an early 83-81 lead in overtime, the Dream gave up eight straight points to the Fever, who never lost the lead in overtime again, although the Dream got within two points, 93-91, with 10 seconds left.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Seattle pulled within a point, but Courtney Vandersloot sank the second of two free throws for Chicago (13-22) with 10 seconds left and Melbourne missed a tying layup at the buzzer.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of second

Browse Nearby Words

instancy
instant
instantaneous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instant. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instant

Nglish: Translation of instant for Spanish Speakers

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