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

There’s nothing like having a standout dress or a killer pair of boots that instantly make the outfit. —Naomi Elizée, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Trying to outline benefits and features in text seldom has the same impact as a video that instantly shows potential customers what separates your offering from competitors. —James Bryant, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

When Rihanna announced the launch of Fenty Hair, a lineup of hair care and styling products for natural hair, silk presses, and edges, I was instantly intrigued. —Monique Wilson, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2024

Westmore Beauty’s 60-Second Eye Effects Gel Duo promises to instantly reduce the appearance of signs of aging around your eyes. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 16 Dec. 2024

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