immediate
adjective
im·me·di·ate
| \ i-ˈmē-dē-ət
, British often -ˈmē-jit\
, British often -ˈmē-jit\
Definition of immediate
1a
: occurring, acting, or accomplished without loss or interval of time : instant
an immediate need
b(1)
: near to or related to the present
the immediate past
(2)
: of or relating to the here and now : current
too busy with immediate concerns to worry about the future
2a
: existing without intervening space or substance
brought into immediate contact
b
: being near at hand
the immediate neighborhood
3
: being next in line or relation
the immediate family
4a
: acting or being without the intervention of another object, cause, or agency : direct
the immediate cause of death
b
: present to the mind independently of other states or factors
immediate awareness
c
: involving or derived from a single premise
an immediate inference
5
: directly touching or concerning a person or thing
the child's immediate world is the classroom
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Synonyms for immediate
Synonyms
instant, instantaneous, split-second, straightaway
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Examples of immediate in a Sentence
This requires your immediate attention.
The new restaurant was an immediate success.
This crisis calls for immediate action.
The response to the crisis was immediate.
The wildfire poses no immediate threat to any houses in the area.
The danger is not immediate.
They have evacuated everyone in the immediate area of the wildfire.
Many people suffered in the war's immediate aftermath.
The effect of the new policy will be unknown for the immediate future.
He was sitting to my immediate right.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Though the couple invited only immediate family and did not have a bridal party or groomsmen, Reinert did make sure to feature one very special guest: her 5-year-old brother, Garrett, who served as ring bearer. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Country Singer Rachel Reinert Marries Fiancé Caleb Crosby at Tennessee Treehouse," 1 Sep. 2019 Yield curve inversions have often preceded recessions in the past and are a sign that investors are nervous about the immediate future of the economy. — Anneken Tappe, CNN, "Dow heads for third day of gains, but can't help finishing August lower," 30 Aug. 2019 Over fresh pastries and coffee, Gilovich gave us a glimpse into an immediate future where no ride goes undocumented. — Jamie Brisick, The New Yorker, "Surfing in the Age of the Omnipresent Camera," 26 Aug. 2019 Aside from immediate family, no one is allowed in the house to see 3-year-old Quinn Waters. — Steve Hartman, CBS News, "Front lawn becomes a stage for house-ridden boy," 23 Aug. 2019 In a video shared on YouTube, the session began with Big Hit founder, CEO and producer Bang Si-hyuk taking the lead, introducing the company's plans for the second half of 2019 and the immediate future. — Tamar Herman, Billboard, "Big Hit Entertainment Shares Plans for New Girl Group, Plus a BTS Universe TV Show & Game at Corporate Briefing," 21 Aug. 2019 For the immediate future, Maine Family Planning, which has 18 clinics, is relying on reserves. — Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, "After withdrawing from Title X, reproductive health clinics scramble for cash," 21 Aug. 2019 COLORADO BUFFALOES Program trending: Down The question of the moment — to continue the topic discussed above — is whether the building blocks are in place to turn CU’s immediate future into a mirror of its past (i.e., the 1990s and early 2000s). — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "Colorado preview: Mel Tucker era begins with loads of questions and only one Viska," 19 Aug. 2019 COLORADO BUFFALOES Program trending: Down The question of the moment — to continue the topic discussed above — is whether the building blocks are in place to turn CU’s immediate future into a mirror of its past (i.e., the 1990s and early 2000s). — Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Pac-12 team previews: CU Buffs’ Mel Tucker era begins with loads of questions and only one Viska," 19 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immediate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for immediate
immediate
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of immediate
: happening or done without delay
: happening or existing now
: important now
See the full definition for immediate in the English Language Learners Dictionary
immediate
adjective
im·me·di·ate
| \ i-ˈmē-dē-ət
\
\
Kids Definition of immediate
1
: happening without any delay
I need immediate help.
2
: occurring or existing now
There is no immediate danger.
3
: having importance now
Our immediate concern is getting help.
4
: not far away in time or space
the immediate future the immediate area
5
: being next in line or nearest in relationship
My immediate family includes my parents, brothers, and sisters.
6
: having nothing between
The room is to your immediate right.
immediate
adjective
im·me·di·ate
| \ im-ˈēd-ē-ət, British often -ˈē-jit\
Medical Definition of immediate
1a
: acting or being without the intervention of another object, cause, or agency : being direct
the immediate cause of death
b
: present to the mind independently of other states or factors
immediate awareness