instantaneous
adjective
in·stan·ta·neous
ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs 
-nyəs
1
: done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time
death was instantaneous
2
: done without any delay being purposely introduced
took instantaneous corrective action
3
: occurring or present at a particular instant
instantaneous velocity
instantaneousness
noun
Examples of instantaneous in a Sentence
We got an almost instantaneous response from the company.
the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous
Recent Examples on the Web
When humans touch something dangerously hot or sharp, sensory nerves send signals directly to the spinal cord, triggering an almost instantaneous withdrawal before the brain fully processes the pain.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Chinese diplomatic backlash was instantaneous, with one Chinese official based in Tokyo threatening to cut off her head for the disrespect of her comments.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
Using its database of dynamic real-world conditions and human gestures typical of motion on land or at sea, the device analyzes arm signals with its own deep learning platform to eliminate false-positives and deliver instantaneous control of mechanisms including robotic arms.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
The chemistry was natural and instantaneous.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instantaneous
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Chinese diplomatic backlash was instantaneous, with one Chinese official based in Tokyo threatening to cut off her head for the disrespect of her comments.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
Using its database of dynamic real-world conditions and human gestures typical of motion on land or at sea, the device analyzes arm signals with its own deep learning platform to eliminate false-positives and deliver instantaneous control of mechanisms including robotic arms.
—New Atlas, 29 Dec. 2025
The chemistry was natural and instantaneous.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instantaneous
Cite this Entry
“Instantaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantaneous. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instantaneous
adjective
in·stan·ta·neous
ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs
-nyəs
1
: happening in an instant
2
: done without delay
instantaneously
adverb
instantaneousness
noun
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