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

In the teen’s case, five large keloids abruptly burst from her chickenpox scars, breaking out in different places on her body—on her right jaw, chest, abdomen, and right flank. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

Tilmant, who assumed office in January, seemed to disregard Mayor Phillips’s plea for a more-thorough evaluation of the safety implications of the quiet zone, abruptly calling for a vote on the project. —Noah Daly april 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2026

The administration abruptly cut the program last summer, despite evidence that the population faces disproportionately high suicide rates. —Devi Shastri, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026

The demonstration on Monday was abruptly ended by Capitol Police, who arrested a total of 66 people. —Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026