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.

You hesitate for an instant, torn between the invitingly warm lower level and the formidable set of stairs leading upward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 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

It was when people were less curious that they tended to opt for an instant answer.

From Science Daily • Oct. 24, 2023

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

The fog wavered and lifted, swirled about in sudden drafts, floated across the path in thin layers, showed a patch of blue sky for an instant and glimpses of trees ahead.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli