Definitions

immediately

[ih-mee-dee-it-lee] / ɪˈmi di ɪt li /

ADVERB

at once, right away

Synonyms

STRONGEST

directly forthwith instantly promptly rapidly shortly soon urgently

STRONG

now

WEAK

PDQ anon at short notice away double-time hereupon in a New York minute in a flash in a jiffy in nothing flat instantaneously instanter like now now or never on the dot on the double on the spot pronto right now soon afterward straight away straight off summarily thereupon this instant this minute tout de suite unhesitatingly without delay without hesitation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

later

WEAK

eventually never

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.

Rivian didn’t immediately respond to a request for clarification.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

It was not immediately clear whether the aircraft had developed a mechanical or any other technical problem, or had been downed by Iranian fire.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

What if a child born today could start building tax-free retirement wealth immediately, while their peers spend their 20s paying off student loans?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

This year’s initial list was released in February, but was immediately rescinded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

I hate when people immediately try to explain why a bad situation isn’t so bad after all.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Vocabulary lists containing immediately

List 1

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List 6

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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ly

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