immediate

adjective

i-ˈmē-dē-ət How to pronounce immediate (audio)
Definition of immediatenext
1
as in instantaneous
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time felt immediate relief after taking the painkiller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in primary
done or working without something else coming in between she is my immediate superior, so I report to her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in swift
done, carried out, or given without delay immediate treatment saved the victim of the massive heart attack

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4
as in near
not being distant in time, space, or significance for the victims of the terrorist attack, the incident is as immediate as yesterday's news

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in current
existing or in progress right now we need to solve the immediate problems before working on the more long-term ones

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of immediate Without immediate treatment, the situation can become life-threatening. — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Warning signs include chest or abdominal pain, blood in stool, fever, chills or a swollen abdomen — all reasons to seek immediate medical attention. — Kimberly Tutuska, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 Highly recruited out of Texas, Wesco made an immediate impact at Clemson as a Freshman All-American and was on pace for a 1,000-yard receiving season over the first six games of 2025. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Over the past several months, a group of First District residents have rallied to initiate a recall election that could lead to Perkins’ immediate removal from office. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immediate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immediate
  1. instantaneous
  2. primary
  3. swift
  4. near
  5. current
  6. instant
  7. direct
  8. timely
Adjective
  • And all have been just as vulnerable to the near-instantaneous bootlegging.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In his Missouri Western dormitory office on Wednesday morning, Reid acknowledged an instantaneous turn toward 2026.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Adjective
  • In 2025, Kelley told PEOPLE exclusively that his wife was his primary motivation for pursuing sobriety.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Fields and Mooney, who should take Austin’s place as the primary slot receiver, will be the other starters.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Dawadi’s quick thinking and swift response during the disaster have been hailed as an act of heroism.
    — Shonal Ganguly, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Analysts point out that if tech companies fail to beat market expectations, their stock prices could face swift downward pressure.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of swift
Adjective
  • Keeping him and his elite scoring ability would give the Red Wings a much more realistic ability to compete in the near future.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The layoffs come as Ellison has been quietly rebuilding her business after several years of near-dormancy.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of near
Adjective
  • According to the International Energy Agency, global small modular reactor capacity could reach roughly 40 GW by 2050 under current policies, or as much as 120 GW under an accelerated scenario.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The longer the current situation continues, the greater the strain on an economy already struggling with shortages, inflation and restrictions on trade.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of current
Adjective
  • This piece argues critical thinking was built for reflection and human opponents, not for fluent, instant AI output.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Another really handy feature that XTU has included is a magnetic instant snap-in magnetic mount, which locks in securely to the bottom of the camera allowing for it to be mounted in various ways – selfie stick, tripod, dashcam or on a helmet.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of instant
Adjective
  • Katarzyna Nowakowska, Poland's deputy minister for family, labor and social policy, told the AP that the most vulnerable applicants still receive direct help from the state and any other refugees needing support should turn to social workers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • To enjoy it past its best-by date safely, store your tea bags in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, Tucker says.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of direct
Adjective
  • That includes sharing explicit expectations around AI use, providing timely updates when possible and engaging with feedback — or even pushback — from employees.
    — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kitchens were structured for high throughput and delivery vehicles lined up on the other side of the building to take finished meals and speed them along critical thoroughfares for timely and low-cost delivery.
    — George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of timely

Browse Nearby Words

immediacy
immediate
immediately
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Cite this Entry

“Immediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immediate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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