shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

1

a

: in a few words : briefly

b

: in an abrupt manner

2

a

: in a short time

we will be there shortly

b

: at a short interval

shortly after sunset

Synonyms of shortly

• briefly
• concisely
• in brief
• precisely

Examples of shortly in a Sentence

He left shortly after you did.

“I can't help you right now,” he said shortly.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the unspoken ever-presence here is D’Angelo, who died shortly afterwards. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 12 Nov. 2026

The Jets parted ways with Ryan shortly before the start of 2015 with the team posting a dismal 4-12 record. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

The individual, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized after experiencing severe illness and died shortly afterwards. — Tom Sanders, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026

Theo picks it up shortly before being whipped for his insolence. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shortly

• shortly after

Rhymes for shortly

• courtly
• portly

Kids Definition

shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

1

: in a few words : briefly

2

: in or within a short time : soon

will arrive shortly

shortly after sunset