instantly

1 of 2

adverb

in·​stant·​ly ˈin(t)-stənt-lē 

1

: without the least delay : immediately

2

: with importunity : urgently

instantly

2 of 2

conjunction

: as soon as

he ran across the grass instantly he perceived his mother

—W. M. Thackeray

Synonyms

Adverb

• bang
• directly
• forthwith
• headlong
• immediately
• incontinently
• instantaneously
• instanter
• now
• PDQ
• plumb
• presently
• promptly
• pronto
• right
• right away
• right now
• right off
• straight off
• straightaway
• straightway

Conjunction

• as soon as
• immediately [chiefly British]
• once
• when

Examples of instantly in a Sentence

Adverb

His voice is instantly recognizable.

They instantly fell in love.

She was killed instantly when her car hit a tree.

Conjunction

we realized there would be problems instantly we saw the final report

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

That shift could instantly disqualify every employee at those institutions from PSLF. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

The sunlit hues instantly brighten a space by reflecting more light and bringing in an optimistic energy. 6. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025

Then a sudden switch: a bellicose, spine-stiffening bass line, and the instantly infamous refrain. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2025

This is another example of how starting with someone’s first name instantly grabs their attention. —Angela Haupt, Time, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from instant instant entry 2 + -ly -ly entry 2

Conjunction

derivative of instantly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Conjunction

1793, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

instantly

adverb

in·​stant·​ly

ˈin(t)-stənt-lē

: without delay : immediately

came instantly when I called