instant
A mere flash
An instant is a very brief moment in time—so brief it seems to have no duration: It was over in an instant, I'll be there in an instant.
As an adjective, instant describes things that happen immediately or require minimal preparation: instant gratification, instant coffee, instant messaging.
The instant can function as a conjunction meaning "as soon as": The instant I saw her, I knew something was wrong.
Incite to action
- swiftMoving with speed
- rapidMoving with haste
- speedyCharacterized by quickness
- split-secondFraction of a moment
real-time · on-demand · straightaway · forthwith · directly · pronto · stat · quick-fire
Brief period of time
- captureTake into custody
- freeze-frameHalted motion picture image
- photographImage from a camera
- polaroidSelf-developing photograph
memory · glimpse · flash · candid · spontaneous · camera · picture · image
Prepared in advance, standardized
- premixedCombined before sale
- powderedCrushed to fine particles
- freeze-driedDehydrated while frozen
- microwavableSuitable for radiation heating
packet · sachet · ramen · noodles · oatmeal · coffee · pudding · mashed
Acting without deliberation
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- abruptSharp and unexpected
- spur-of-the-momentDone without advance planning
- unplannedNot arranged beforehand
snap-decision · knee-jerk · reactive · reflexive · unpremeditated · impromptu · whim · instinctive
Requiring immediate attention
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- rushQuick sudden movement
deadline · crisis · stat · escalation · triage · crunch-time · eleventh-hour
prompt
Incite to action
split-second · real-time · on-demand · straightaway · forthwith · directly · pronto · stat · quick-fire · snap
moment
Brief period of time
- captureTake into custody
- freeze-frameHalted motion picture image
- photographImage from a camera
polaroid · memory · glimpse · flash · candid · spontaneous · camera · picture · image · shot
ready-made
Prepared in advance, standardized
- premixedCombined before sale
- powderedCrushed to fine particles
- freeze-driedDehydrated while frozen
microwavable · packet · sachet · ramen · noodles · oatmeal · coffee · pudding · mashed · soup
impulsive
Acting without deliberation
- suddenOccurring without prior notice
- abruptSharp and unexpected
- spur-of-the-momentDone without advance planning
unplanned · snap-decision · knee-jerk · reactive · reflexive · unpremeditated · impromptu · whim · instinctive · off-the-cuff
pressing
Requiring immediate attention
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
rush · deadline · crisis · stat · escalation · triage · crunch-time · eleventh-hour
chat
Informal verbal exchange
- textWritten or printed words
- DMPrivate digital correspondence
- notificationFormal notice given
ping · alert · real-time · live · sync · push · app · messenger · WhatsApp · Snapchat
instantnonurgent
Not requiring immediate attention
noncritical · low-pressure · low-priority · unimportant · negligible
- for instanceIntroducing an example
- instant coffeePowdered caffeinated drink
- instant noodlesFast-cooking dried pasta
- in an instantWith no delay
- instant replayRepeated broadcast of action
- this instantAt the present moment
instantly, instance, instantaneous, instants, instate, instantiate, instantiation