| Noun | 1. | instant - a very short time (as the time it takes the eye blink or the heart to beat); "if I had the chance I'd do it in a flash"minute, moment, second, bit - an indefinitely short time; "wait just a moment"; "it only takes a minute"; "in just a bit" | |
| 2. | instant - a particular point in time; "the moment he arrived the party began"climax, culmination - the decisive moment in a novel or play; "the deathbed scene is the climax of the play" eleventh hour, last minute - the latest possible moment; "money became available at the eleventh hour"; "at the last minute the government changed the rules" moment of truth - the moment in a bullfight when the matador kills the bull pinpoint - a very brief moment; "they were strangers sharing a pinpoint of time together" time - a suitable moment; "it is time to go" | |
| Adj. | 1. | instant - occurring with no delay; "relief was instantaneous"; "instant gratification"fast - acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly; "fast film"; "on the fast track in school"; "set a fast pace"; "a fast car" | |
| 2. | instant - in or of the present month; "your letter of the 10th inst"present - temporal sense; intermediate between past and future; now existing or happening or in consideration; "the present leader"; "articles for present use"; "the present topic"; "the present system"; "present observations" | |
| 3. | instant - demanding attention; "clamant needs"; "a crying need"; "regarded literary questions as exigent and momentous"- H.L.Mencken; "insistent hunger"; "an instant need"imperative - requiring attention or action; "as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative"; "requests that grew more and more imperative" | |