forthwith

adverb

: without any delay : immediately sense 1
I heard it give a peculiar thick cry, and forthwith another of these creatures appeared darkly in the deep shadow of the aperture. H. G. Wells
The Creeks claimed him as of their own blood, and instinctively felt that he was their only possible ruler. He was forthwith chosen to be their head chief. Theodore Roosevelt
… the Ministry of Magic has revised its decision to destroy your wand forthwith. You may retain your wand until your disciplinary hearing on 12th August, at which time an official decision will be taken. J. K. Rowling

Examples of forthwith in a Sentence

The court ordered the company to cease operations forthwith. if the fire alarm rings, leave the building forthwith
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Whichever designer first slid that paint job across a boardroom table should be banished forthwith to work on the Sonigenic SHS-series Yamaha Keytar, where there's no chance this dangerously inept individual could make the product look any worse. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024 Accordingly, the Special Master and cartographer are DIRECTED to commence work forthwith on a remedial map. Mike Cason | McAson@al.com, al, 5 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forthwith was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near forthwith

Cite this Entry

“Forthwith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forthwith. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

forthwith

adverb
: immediately sense 2
expect an answer forthwith

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