Synonyms of abruptly

abruptly

adverb

ə-ˈbrəp(t)-lē 

as in suddenly

with great suddenness

the car in front stopped abruptly, and we almost hit it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suddenly
• short
• unexpectedly
• instantly
• all of a sudden
• immediately
• quickly
• rapidly
• promptly
• surprisingly
• swiftly
• instantaneously
• fast
• speedily
• straightaway
• readily
• hastily
• impulsively
• right off
• right away
• incontinently
• swift
• quick
• impetuously
• recklessly
• rashly
• directly
• right
• pronto
• posthaste
• snappily
• full tilt

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slowly
• gradually
• hesitantly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abruptly

When the humor shifted abruptly from shrieking and pratfalls to more subtle witticism, the audience was fine with that as long as things stayed light, funny and uncomplicated. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

There’s been speculation that he could be tapped to fill the White House Press Secretary position left vacant earlier this month when Katie Zacharia was abruptly dismissed after five days on the job. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026

Philadelphia traded Pro Bowl offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, while star right tackle Lane Johnson abruptly retired. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

But earlier this year, Ando abruptly stepped down and Hisamatsu was reinstalled at the top. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026