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

Some of my favorite gags just sparked to life for an instant, like an all-knowing supercomputer who is a bit put out that Elio accesses its wisdom simply to learn how to fight.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

"Our lives touched each other for an instant and then separated. Mine has improved since that day, while yours has deteriorated. You made a bad gamble and lost."

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2025

And after glancing for an instant at Boaz to make sure he had the lighter in his grasp, Aunt Hila leaned forward and blew the candle out, and the shadows rushed in.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny