immediate

adjective

i-ˈmē-dē-ət How to pronounce immediate (audio)
Definition of immediatenext
1
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
2
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
3
as in swift
done, carried out, or given without delay immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
5
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 The wounds left by the dog bites needed immediate treatment, and Lowe's friends were able to rush him to the hospital. — Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025 That’s different from a fire warning, which is declared once a wildfire is already in progress and poses an immediate threat to lives and property. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2025 Paradise was an immediate fan favorite, and Hulu wasted no time announcing that the edge-of-your-seat story would continue. — Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 There were no immediate reports Thursday of any Starship wreckage falling over populated areas. — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immediate
  1. instantaneous
  2. primary
  3. swift
  4. near
  5. current
  6. instant
  7. direct
  8. timely
Adjective
  • There was zero time wasted on deciding where the puck should go; every pass was instantaneous and laser-accurate and threaded the needle through the slot perfectly.
    — Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Six decades ago, Medley's warm baritone was an instantaneous stylistic reference for the era of good feeling that allowed rock 'n' roll to evolve into a global phenomenon.
    — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 26 Nov. 2024
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • If speed is your primary concern, choose ultra-light carbon fiber handlebars that won’t weigh you down.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • State law also indicates the special primary election must be between 120 to 130 days after the vacancy occurs and that the special general election must be between 70 and 80 days after the special primary.
    — John Parkinson, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • In a swift response, the European Union also announced new duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural products.
    — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • This agility is especially valuable in today’s economic climate, where challenges like supply chain disruptions and evolving consumer demands require swift action.
    — Patrick Galleher, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of swift
Adjective
  • The nearest properties abutting the project are 124 feet away from its development site, making any potential fires threatening to local property and safety, according to officials.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Locate the nearest shelter According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one way to prepare yourself in the event of severe storms is to locate your nearest shelters ahead of time and map out the safest routes to reach them.
    — Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of near
Adjective
  • The data from the Common App report presents a complex picture of the current state of higher education.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • With the current Concorde Agreement expiring at the end of 2025, discussions to have a new agreement are underway between F1 teams and the Formula One Management (FOM) from 2026.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of current
Adjective
  • The price of instant coffee has also increased about 9% in the past year, according to the CPI data.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The company envisions expanding into Australia and New Zealand markets, where the Great White Shark—the greatest golfer ever from Down Under—provides instant credibility.
    — Mike Dojc, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • Of the 71 goals Barca have scored in La Liga, 16 have been from set pieces (seven from corners, one from a direct free kick, four from free kicks and four from the penalty spot).
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • According to the Financial Times, the Treasury Department's direct spending surged by $29 billion compared to the same month last year.
    — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • Of those complaints, 98% get timely responses — sometimes with monetary or non-monetary resolutions — a big improvement over companies ignoring people.
    — Mike Calhoun, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
  • However, House of Mouse’s shareholders today made a very timely and strong rejection of some MAGA efforts to gain control of corporate governance.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of timely

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Cite this Entry

“Immediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immediate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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