Synonyms for Immediately

Updated 2026-10-03 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Seeking synonyms for immediately? This list provides precise alternatives to express urgency without repetition. Choose from formal, informal, and nuanced options to enhance your vocabulary and ensure your message conveys the exact speed required.

Closest Synonyms for Immediately

at once: Conveys instant action with no delay. Call the police at once if you see danger.
right away: Standard phrase for prompt response. Please submit your report right away.
instantly: Emphasizes zero time lag between cause and effect. The lights flashed instantly when the switch flipped.
forthwith: Slightly archaic but clear in legal contexts. The judge ordered the papers returned forthwith.
without delay: Focuses on the absence of waiting. He left without delay after hearing the news.
straightaway: British common usage for immediate action. We will address the issue straightaway.
on the spot: Implies happening right there and then. She decided on the spot to join the team.
directly: Can mean without interruption or right after. Come to my office directly after lunch.
promptly: Suggests efficiency and timeliness. The guests arrived promptly at six o'clock.
straight off: Casual British term for immediate departure. He went straight off to the store.
instantaneously: Scientific tone for things happening in a split second. The chemical reaction was instantaneous.
peremptorily: Adds a tone of command to the speed. She commanded him to leave peremptorily.

Formal Synonyms for Immediately

without further ado: Used to begin proceedings quickly. Let us start without further ado.
expeditiously: Focuses on efficient speed in processes. The case was resolved expeditiously.
forthrightly: Suggests immediate honesty in communication. He answered the question forthrightly.
presently: Soon or in a very short time; the results will be available presently.

Informal Synonyms for Immediately

right now: Common everyday phrase for urgency. I need you to help me right now.
straight away: Casual way to say without stopping. He went straight away to fix the leak.
in a jiffy: Playful term for very quick action. I will be there in a jiffy.
right off: Relaxed phrasing for immediate departure. She left right off to the party.
on the double: Energetic command for quick movement. Move on the double!
right this second: Emphasizes the exact moment. I know that right this second.
bang: Slang for sudden immediate occurrence. The news hit us bang.
right then: Simple past tense immediacy. He stood up right then and left.
in a heartbeat: Idiomatic for very fast decisions. I would accept the job in a heartbeat.

Stronger and Weaker Words

soon: Weaker. Use when some brief wait is acceptable.
shortly: Weaker. Use this to indicate that something will happen in the near future, but not necessarily at this exact second.
in due time: Weaker. Use this to suggest that something will happen when the moment is right, not necessarily with urgency.
eventually: Weaker. Use this to describe something that happens after a long wait or a series of other events, rather than right away.
posthaste: stronger; implies rushing with urgency and speed

Antonyms for Immediately

later
delayed
gradually
slowly
procrastinated
postponed
subsequently
remotely

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Selecting the right synonym depends on your audience and context. Use formal terms like forthwith for legal documents, while right now suits casual conversation. Consider whether you need to emphasize speed, authority, or efficiency. Avoid mixing tones to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Best Synonym by Situation

in a resume: Promptly: "Responded promptly to client inquiries during peak hours."
in an emergency: At once: "Call emergency services at once if symptoms appear."
in formal correspondence: Without delay: "Please remit payment without delay to avoid penalties."
in casual conversation: Right away: "I will start cleaning right away after this call."
in technical documentation: Instantly: "The system reacts instantly to input changes."
in legal contracts: Forthwith: "The tenant must vacate the premises forthwith upon eviction."
in a job interview: Swiftly: "I can swiftly adapt to new software platforms."
in a news headline: Instant: "Instant gratification drives consumer spending trends."
in a recipe: Directly: "Pour the mixture directly into the baking pan."
in a warning sign: Immediately: "Evacuate immediately if the alarm sounds."

Example Sentences

The manager requested that the report be submitted forthwith.
She answered the question instantly without any hesitation.
Please bring the documents straightaway to the main office.
The medicine took effect promptly after he swallowed it.
You must act directly to stop the bleeding.
The train departed instantly once the doors closed.
He apologized forthrightly for his earlier mistake.
The chef served the soup immediately while it was hot.
We need to address this issue promptly to avoid escalation.
The lights came on instantly when she flipped the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is immediately an adverb?

Yes, immediately functions as an adverb. It modifies verbs to indicate that an action happens without any delay or pause in time.

Can I use instantly and immediately interchangeably?

Mostly yes, but instantly often suggests a physical reaction or scientific speed, while immediately is broader and applies to general actions or decisions.

What is the most formal synonym for immediately?

Forthwith is considered the most formal synonym. It is often found in legal texts and official mandates requiring strict compliance.

Is right away informal or formal?

Right away is neutral to informal. It works well in everyday speech but might be too casual for strict legal or academic writing.