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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slowly
• gradually
• hesitantly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abruptly

In April, the government quietly revoked the visas of thousands of students who had allegedly committed minor legal infractions before abruptly reversing the policy. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Aug. 2025

Amador’s predecessor, Jodie Gates, had abruptly resigned from her position. —David Lyman, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

Still, there was one scary moment 80 minutes into the show, instantly bringing the arena to a hush: A young fan invited onstage for a sing-along segment abruptly collapsed as Perry prepared to launch into song. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Former Food Network star and celebrity chef Paula Deen has abruptly closed her popular Savannah, Georgia, restaurant, The Lady & Sons, after 36 years. —Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 4 Aug. 2025