instantly

1 of 2

adverb

in·​stant·​ly ˈin(t)-stənt-lē How to pronounce instantly (audio)
Synonyms of instantlynext
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 …William Thackeray

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
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Adverb
Set the scene New Yorkers and return visitors will instantly recognize the nearly 40,000 plants cascading down the 18-story facade, breathing oxygen into the Midtown air. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 Kurtz will portray Betsy, the farmer’s daughter who instantly falls for Josh (Brightman). Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 Young knew almost instantly the tracks belonged to a river otter. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026 Leila Crossbody Bag Another slim but functional crossbody, the Leila is an easy-to-wear style that instantly elevates any look. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instantly

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of instantly was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantly. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

instantly

adverb
in·​stant·​ly
ˈin(t)-stənt-lē
: without delay : immediately
came instantly when I called

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