in·stant·ly
ˈin(t)-stənt-lē 
1
: without the least delay : immediately
2
: with importunity : urgently
: as soon as
he ran across the grass instantly he perceived his mother—
W. M. Thackeray
W. M. ThackerayExamples 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
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
For many of us, the smell or taste of a specific recipe can instantly transport us back in time.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
As host of the show for 35 years, Bob Barker made The Price Is Right an institution, with instantly recognizable games like Plinko, Triple Play, and the Showcase Showdown.
—Lindsay Soll, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Cher’s unique spin on the Catholic schoolgirl look and her flair with Calvin Klein and Alaïa remains culturally impactful, with her instantly recognizable yellow plaid suit inspiring Kim Kardashian’s 2023 Halloween costume, among other things.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instantly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adverb
And while those cocktails usually have rum, how perfectly tiki for a gin cocktail to show up wearing a rum cocktail’s clothes, and to be instantly accepted by the community, and raised as one of their own.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
For many of us, the smell or taste of a specific recipe can instantly transport us back in time.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
As host of the show for 35 years, Bob Barker made The Price Is Right an institution, with instantly recognizable games like Plinko, Triple Play, and the Showcase Showdown.
—Lindsay Soll, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Cher’s unique spin on the Catholic schoolgirl look and her flair with Calvin Klein and Alaïa remains culturally impactful, with her instantly recognizable yellow plaid suit inspiring Kim Kardashian’s 2023 Halloween costume, among other things.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instantly
Cite this Entry
“Instantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share