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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.

Law enforcement officials did not immediately respond to a request for the names of the people arrested.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Representatives for Williams Jr and Mane did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He says he turned down the Mercor offer immediately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Her performance is staggeringly human, so honest and unvarnished that it immediately calls to mind Meryl Streep’s similarly prickly work in “Sophie’s Choice.”

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

I’d been looking forward to the long vacation, but now I wanted it to start immediately, like, that very second.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.