adverb
-
immediately; at once
-
archaic urgently or insistently
Related Words
See immediately.
Etymology
Origin of instantly
Late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; instant, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When oil rises, gasoline usually follows—though not instantly.
From Barron's
When oil rises, gasoline usually follows—though not instantly.
From Barron's
For all of the film’s expository merit, for all of the care and efficiency Hughes exhibited in creating such wonderful and instantly lovable women, “Pretty in Pink” flubs the landing.
From Salon
Some have made big money mimicking the trades of potential insiders with specialized software that can instantly copy the moves of any trader on Polymarket, which posts all of its transactions to the blockchain.
From Barron's
The viral photo of golden-goal-scoring forward Jack Hughes, smiling widely with two teeth missing and an American flag draped around his shoulder, instantly entered the realm of American sporting lore.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
