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

Eclipse chasers are targeting Greenland’s Scoresby Sund, Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and flat horizons in Spain, where the eclipse will take place shortly before sunset. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Jordan denied Aqaba had been threatened, but Iranian missiles struck its airport shortly afterward. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 July 2026

The prosecution agency announced a slew of charges against the Tates shortly before the arrests on Saturday, July 18. — Will Carless, USA Today, 19 July 2026

Mensah, along with fellow Duke wide receiver Cooper Barkate (the Blue Devils’ leading receiver and Mensah’s closest friend on the team), transferred to Miami shortly afterward. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 July 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