Antonyms for instant

Grammar : Adj, noun

Spell : in-stuhnt

Phonetic Transcription : ˈɪn stənt

Definition of instant

Origin : late 14c., "infinitely short space of time," from Old French instant (adj.) "assiduous, at hand," from Medieval Latin instantem (nominative instans), in classical Latin "present, pressing, urgent," literally "standing near," present participle of instare "to urge, to stand near, be present (to urge one's case)," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + stare "to stand," from PIE root *sta- "to stand" (see stet). Elliptical use of the French adjective as a noun.

adj immediate, urgent
noun moment

Example sentences :

The venerable Persian gazed at her for an instant, and then clasped her to his bosom.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

One swift glance had shown him there was no way of instant retreat.
Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

And accordingly, when he wakened in the middle of the night, he was alert on the instant.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

He had his revolver on the fellow in the instant, and yet he held his fire.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

She was lost, for the instant, in a maze of disagreeable reflection.
Extract from : « Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus » by Jessie Graham Flower

It made Andy frown, and for an instant he thought of calling Buck back.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

And the words of the younger man had an instant effect on Buck Heath.
Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

In an instant order and method took the place of general confusion.
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

In an instant he was in his saddle and spurring down the valley.
Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle

On the instant, he threw off his coat and sprang far out after the drifting body.
Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

Synonyms for instant

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019