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
as in minute
a very small space of time
it all happened in an instant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instant
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
To transition between scenes, the camera frequently pans from an interior to an exterior and vice versa as characters walk from one set to another, aiming less to break the fourth wall than to capture an instant sense of displacement.
—Ryan Swen, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 23 Feb. 2025
These squat lobsters are usually found clinging upside down on boulders and overhangs and disappear the instant the camera shutter is pressed.
—Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instant
Adjective
The group had vowed its arsenal of long-range missiles would level Israeli cities the instant Lebanese cities were targeted.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
To transition between scenes, the camera frequently pans from an interior to an exterior and vice versa as characters walk from one set to another, aiming less to break the fourth wall than to capture an instant sense of displacement.
—Ryan Swen, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
Thank goodness Cara sees the younger woman’s look of horror through the glass, realizes in an instant what’s going on, and fires two shots right through the wall/lower window, killing the animal.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 23 Feb. 2025
These squat lobsters are usually found clinging upside down on boulders and overhangs and disappear the instant the camera shutter is pressed.
—Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instant
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
Adjective
-
While industries across the board are struggling with labor shortages, the energy sector’s challenge is uniquely urgent.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s because Seattle is the only one of the current MLB teams to never get to a World Series.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
However, any positives from the current report will be apparent soon enough.—
Vincent Turley,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
This is the perfect role for Porter Jr. He's best used as a 15-20 minute sparkplug off the Bucks' bench.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Contact was lost with Starship just under 10 minutes after liftoff.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
However, there was no immediate word from the office of the 85-year-old Khamenei, who has final say over all matters of state.—
TIME,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
-
In the immediate aftermath, figures such as Issa Rae canceled their shows, and Ben Folds and Renee Fleming withdrew as advisers.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
For transition-age foster youth—those aging out of the foster care system—this challenge is even more acute.—
First Place for Youth,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Saint Elizabeth in Chicago was also part of the deal, but Ascension previously announced plans to close the hospital, which sits on the city’s West Side, has 28 beds and treats acute mental illness.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Chappell Roan, absent from the ceremony in person but present in video message form, picked up best international song for Good Luck, Babe!, but once the temperature had cooled post-Carpenter performance, the evening was a Charli XCX sweep.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
1 Mar. 2025
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Party Details: Preparing For The Estate Distribution Alice and Bob are present and ready to enjoy their slices.—
Ashley Case,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The small rodent attempted to move up the metal pole for a few seconds before slipping slightly and returning to the floor of the subway car, the clip shows.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Bob and Brad Slipping the unit on (and remembering to remove eyeglasses and contacts beforehand), pressing the power button for two seconds switches it on.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instant. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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