presently

adverb

pres·ent·ly | \ˈpre-zᵊnt-lē

\

Definition of presently

1a archaic : at once

b : without undue delay : before long

2 : at the present time : now

Synonyms & Antonyms Usage of Presently Example Sentences Learn More about presently

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Synonyms & Antonyms for presently

Synonyms

anymore, currently, now, nowadays, right now, today

Antonyms

before, formerly, long, once, then

Usage of Presently: Usage Guide

Both senses 1b and 2 are flourishing in current English, but many commentators have objected to sense 2. Since this sense has been in continuous use since the 15th century, it is not clear why it is objectionable. Perhaps a note in the Oxford English Dictionary (1909) that the sense has been obsolete since the 17th century in literary English is to blame, but the note goes on to observe that the sense is in regular use in most English dialects. The last citation in that dictionary is from a 1901 Leeds newspaper, written in Standard English. Sense 2 is most common in contexts relating to business and politics. the fastest-rising welfare cost is Medicaid, presently paid by the states and cities — William Safire

Examples of presently in a Sentence

I cannot attend to the matter this instant, but I will presently. we are presently waiting in line for our turn

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with her one-on-one students, Caplan has also become a go-to vocal consultant for Broadway productions, presently including the new musical of Disney's Frozen. — Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, "Billboard on Broadway Podcast: Behind the Scenes of Stage & Screen With Vocal Coach Liz Caplan," 19 Mar. 2018 The non-San Diego finalists are presently constructed to win more games in 2018. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres could be favorite to sign Shohei Ohtani," 4 Dec. 2017 The station presently exists in a purgatory-like state as its owner, billionaire Manuel (Matty) Moroun, undertakes steps to prevent any further structural decay in case an opportunity for redevelopment ever presents itself. — Dan Austin And Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Archive: Once crown jewel, Detroit train station now symbol of ruin," 11 June 2018 The Cardinals presently have nine cornerbacks under contract, but they were believed to have interest in both Beal and Alexander, who are seen as NFL-ready prospects capable of making an immediate impact as rookies. — Bob Mcmanaman, azcentral, "Two players get selected in NFL supplemental draft, but Cardinals don't get involved," 11 July 2018 Still, as a draw for out-of-state students presently paying their own tuition and as a sport conducive to gender equity considerations, ice hockey would seem to occupy a niche worth nurturing at U of L. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Ice hockey on campus? University of Louisville has 'preliminary' chat," 10 July 2018 Jack's family, along with Kathy Ultreras, is presently in the process of posting his bond. — J. Brady Mccollough, latimes.com, "Ex-USC football player Jack Jones arrested, charged with breaking into Panda Express at 3 a.m.," 9 June 2018 But the Heat aren’t a contender as presently set up. — Dave Hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde5: Would Carmelo Anthony really help the Heat?," 9 July 2018 MoviePass’s system presently consists of two parts: an app and a debit card. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Why MoviePass is the future — even if it doesn’t survive," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'presently.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near presently

presentment of Englishry

Statistics for presently

Last Updated

12 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for presently

The first known use of presently was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for presently

presently

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of presently

: during the time that is happening now : at the present time

: after a short time

See the full definition for presently in the English Language Learners Dictionary

presently

adverb

pres·ent·ly | \ˈpre-zᵊnt-lē

\

Kids Definition of presently

1 : before long : soon He searched … for fallen limbs of trees; presently he found a … branch.— Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins

2 : at the present time : now She's presently at home.

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