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

Scharf's onboarding comes shortly before the midterm elections, and the possibility that Democrats win back one or both chambers of Congress. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Totality in Portugal and Spain will happen shortly before sunset. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

The incident occurred shortly before halftime, when Paraguay was leading 1-0. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

The outlet additionally shared footage from a fitting shortly before the wedding, which saw Tallulah joined by sisters Scout and Rumer. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Aug. 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