for an instant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In contrast, imagine a purely three-dimensional elephant that flashes into the room for an instant: a cross-sectional moment in the life of an existing elephant, appearing and disappearing like a ghost.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

He was given it not for an instant but for a lifetime of constructiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Lorde was a particularly interesting case; the 28-year-old appears on “Mind Loaded,” popping up for an instant during the track to softly sing, “Everything means nothing to me,” a call back to singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025

But for an instant, before Swift announced the July 23 date, she did think about it: “I will sadly admit to being like, ‘Oh my God, can I hire someone to take my place?’”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023

He looked back for an instant at the Great Ones and shivered a little at the contrast.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck