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

The property even served as the setting for Bert Stern’s famed 1962 photographs of Marilyn Monroe, taken shortly before her death. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The page anonymously issued opinions and news tidbits, and notably called out Gagosian director Sam Orlofsky for inappropriate workplace behavior; Orlofsky was dismissed shortly thereafter. —News Desk, Artforum, 1 June 2026

The Vanity Fair article was published shortly after, further ostracizing Adams from her former friends and causing the remaining Eternal Values members to become even more insular. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026

Patchett spoke at Parnassus with The Associated Press on a sunny weekday morning, shortly before opening time. —Hillel Italie, Fortune, 1 June 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