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

Democrat Nydia Cardenas declared victory over Republican incumbent Manny Ramirez shortly before midnight. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

The brand currently operates two stores in Canada, with a third in Toronto slated to open shortly. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

Weather data shows the aircraft entered a rapidly intensifying thunderstorm cell shortly before the pilots reported icing and significant turbulence. — Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

DuPont benefits in some ways from the AI boom (more on that shortly), but most of its exposure to the theme disappeared with the Qnity spin-off a year ago. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 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