immediate

Happening or done at once, without waiting.

• We need an immediate answer.
• The medicine brought immediate relief.
• Please arrange immediate payment of the bill.

Similar words: instant, prompt

Opposites: delayed

Common phrases: immediate action, immediate response, immediate effect

Existing now and needing attention before other things.

• There is no immediate danger.
• Food is our most immediate need.
• Her immediate concern was finding somewhere safe to sleep.

Similar words: pressing, urgent

Common phrases: immediate danger, immediate concern, immediate needs

Very close to a place or person, with nothing or nobody in between.

• Only immediate family attended.
• No shops are in the immediate area.
• Children learn from their immediate surroundings.

Similar words: close, nearest, direct

Opposites: distant

Common phrases: immediate family, immediate area, immediate surroundings

Used to mark a radio message that must be dealt with very urgently.

• The radio message was marked immediate.
• The operator sent an immediate report to headquarters.
• An immediate signal warned the patrol of an attack.

Similar words: urgent

Common phrases: immediate message, immediate priority, marked immediate