abruptly

adverb

abrupt·​ly ə-ˈbrəp(t)-lē How to pronounce abruptly (audio)
: in an abrupt manner : in a sudden and unexpected way
He left abruptly.
The car swerved abruptly onto the exit ramp.
Her career as a psychologist ended abruptly several years ago when a hacker broke into some of her private client files and made them public …Michael Logan
The small, rocky Anacapa Island [California] has steep cliffs which rise abruptly from the ocean on almost every side …David J. Rutherford

Examples of abruptly in a Sentence

the car in front stopped abruptly, and we almost hit it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maria’s studies were abruptly cut short in 2018, when a new out-of-state tuition policy took effect, tripling the cost per credit and putting college out of reach. Nicol Leon, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Instead, Lugo abruptly has gone from a 2.95 ERA before the extension to giving up 15 runs in 12.2 innings for a 10.66 ERA in his three starts since the trade deadline. Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025 The scenery beyond the windows abruptly changes as the helicopter soars into a mountain valley. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Okra Evan Moore shared in a report that Okra, a Plaza Midwood yoga studio that also featured a tea bar, abruptly closed in July with staff and clients finding the locks changed. Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abruptly

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abruptly was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abruptly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abruptly. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abruptly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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