instantly
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for instantly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Right away; without any delay at all.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use instantly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “instantly” mean?
The word “instantly” means right away; without any delay at all. In plain terms, immediately, with zero waiting.
How do you pronounce “instantly”?
“Instantly” is pronounced IHNS-tuhnt-lee (/ˈɪnstəntli/ in IPA).
How do you use “instantly” in a sentence?
Here is “instantly” used in a sentence: “He instantly regretted sending the message.”
What part of speech is “instantly”?
Depending on how it is used, “instantly” can be an adverb and a conjunction.
Is “instantly” a common word?
“Instantly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “instantly” have?
“Instantly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: right away; without any delay at all.
What is the difference between instantly and immediately?
Instantly and immediately both mean without delay and are often interchangeable. Instantly stresses that something happens in a single instant with no perceptible gap, while immediately can also mean "as the very next step" and is slightly more common in formal writing.
What is the difference between instantly and instantaneously?
Both mean happening at once, but instantaneously is longer, more formal, and often used in scientific or technical contexts, while instantly is the everyday choice. Their core meaning is essentially the same.
Can instantly be used to mean 'as soon as'?
Yes, instantly can act as a conjunction meaning "the moment that" or "as soon as," as in "instantly he arrived, the meeting began." This use is somewhat formal or old-fashioned and more common in British English.
Where does instantly go in a sentence?
As an adverb, instantly usually comes before the main verb or after the verb "to be," as in "she instantly agreed" or "it was instantly clear." It can also open a sentence for emphasis.