immediate
adjective
im·me·di·ate
i-ˈmē-dē-ət 
British often -ˈmē-jit
1
2
a
: 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
4
a
: 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
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Franklin’s immediate ancestors grew up in a world where the fear of witchcraft led to tragic consequences.
—
Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Bringing all 900 units online simultaneously would create a visible and immediate difference — restoring dignity to countless lives, while clearing subway cars, streets and church steps.
—Jody Rudin, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025
The most immediate challenge facing Republicans is whittling down their list and working with the White House to determine which rules Trump can undo with executive orders.
—Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC L.A. Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for immediate 
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Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Bringing all 900 units online simultaneously would create a visible and immediate difference — restoring dignity to countless lives, while clearing subway cars, streets and church steps.
—Jody Rudin, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025
The most immediate challenge facing Republicans is whittling down their list and working with the White House to determine which rules Trump can undo with executive orders.
—Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Jan. 2025
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC L.A. Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for immediate
Dictionary Entries Near immediate
Cite this Entry
“Immediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immediate. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
immediate
adjective
im·me·di·ate
im-ˈēd-ē-ət
1
: acting or being without anything else coming between
the immediate cause of disease
2
: being next in line or nearest in relationship
my immediate family
3
: closest in importance
our immediate needs
4
: acting or being without delay
needs immediate help
5
: not far away in time or space
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