in·stant
ˈin(t)-stənt 
1
: an infinitesimal space of time
especially
: a point in time separating two states
at the instant of death
2
: the present or current month
1
: produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
3
a(1)
: premixed or precooked for easy final preparation
instant pudding
(2)
: appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
instant poetry
b
: immediately soluble in water
instant coffee
4
5
instantness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of instant in a Sentence
Noun
For an instant, I forgot where I was.
The ride was over in an instant.
Adjective
The movie was an instant hit.
He became an instant celebrity with the publication of his first novel.
We got an instant response from the company.
The Internet provides instant access to an enormous amount of information.
Is this coffee instant or regular?
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2024
Move it slowly for precise adjustments or turn it quickly to rack between its extremes in an instant.
—PCMAG, 20 Apr. 2024
Futures markets show that traders expect the price of oil to decline over the next year, but an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran could transform that outlook in an instant.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
In an instant Rosemary became completely disabled, losing the ability to talk, walk, and control her bodily functions.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024
On the biggest play of the season — and in the final minute of Super Bowl LVIII — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made his decision in an instant.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
But the death of Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed last month by an armed person during a traffic stop in Queens, became a grim reminder of what can happen to any of them in an instant.
—Tom Llamas, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024
The album was an instant hit, becoming Beyoncé’s eighth solo album to bow at No. 1 and the biggest debut of 2024 so far.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
Those out of direct harm’s way for now nevertheless taste fear in every breath, knowing their situation could change in an instant.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2024
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2024
Humphries was an instant impact player for Arizona starting every game of his career since being drafted while also being selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
Just how much scientific research goes into these instant success stories?
—Jane Scurich, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
However, only certain items in the predesigned showrooms are available for instant purchase through the app.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2024
Ritchson’s hulking character is an instant scene-stealer, handily killing Nazis with everything from axes to bows and arrows.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
How to get rid of gas pain There isn’t one magic remedy that will give you instant relief.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 18 Apr. 2024
In search of an equalizer, Klopp introduced Mohamed Salah after the break and the Egyptian almost made an instant impact.
—Ben Church, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
This allows for boiling water to be used for oatmeal or instant soups.
—Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
Noun
In an instant, Mr. Nugget kept his footsies inbounds, flinging the rock back into play, over his right shoulder, Jokic-style, through the arms of Hachimura.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2024
Move it slowly for precise adjustments or turn it quickly to rack between its extremes in an instant.
—PCMAG, 20 Apr. 2024
Futures markets show that traders expect the price of oil to decline over the next year, but an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran could transform that outlook in an instant.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
In an instant Rosemary became completely disabled, losing the ability to talk, walk, and control her bodily functions.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024
On the biggest play of the season — and in the final minute of Super Bowl LVIII — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made his decision in an instant.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024
But the death of Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed last month by an armed person during a traffic stop in Queens, became a grim reminder of what can happen to any of them in an instant.
—Tom Llamas, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024
The album was an instant hit, becoming Beyoncé’s eighth solo album to bow at No. 1 and the biggest debut of 2024 so far.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
Those out of direct harm’s way for now nevertheless taste fear in every breath, knowing their situation could change in an instant.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Add instant lightness and movement by adding lots of medium-length layers while still maintaining the feel of long hair.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2024
Humphries was an instant impact player for Arizona starting every game of his career since being drafted while also being selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2024
Just how much scientific research goes into these instant success stories?
—Jane Scurich, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
However, only certain items in the predesigned showrooms are available for instant purchase through the app.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2024
Ritchson’s hulking character is an instant scene-stealer, handily killing Nazis with everything from axes to bows and arrows.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
How to get rid of gas pain There isn’t one magic remedy that will give you instant relief.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 18 Apr. 2024
In search of an equalizer, Klopp introduced Mohamed Salah after the break and the Egyptian almost made an instant impact.
—Ben Church, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
This allows for boiling water to be used for oatmeal or instant soups.
—Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near instant
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instant. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instant
1 of 2 noun
in·stant
ˈin(t)-stənt
: a very small space of time : moment
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