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Synonyms
in·stant (ĭństənt)

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin īnstāns, īnstant-, present present participle of īnstāre, to approach, in-, on; see in–2, + stāre, to stand.]

noun 

  1. An almost imperceptible space of time. See synonyms at moment
  2. A particular or precise time: at the instant of combustion.
  3. The current month: your letter of the 15th instant.
  4. A food or beverage designed for quick preparation.

adjective 

  1. Occurring at once; immediate: instant gratification.
  2. Imperative; urgent: an instant need.
  3. Now under consideration; present.
    1. Commercially prepared or processed for quick and easy final preparation: an instant cake mix.
    2. Readily soluble in water: instant coffee; instant powdered milk.
    3. Appearing, done, or taking place with or as if with maximum quickness and ease: “She had the gift of instant intimacy” (Sylvia Jukes Morris)

adverb 

At once; instantly.

derivatives

iństant·ness
noun