BRIEFLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

briefly

adverb

ˈbrē-flē

Definition of briefly

as in concisely

in a few words tell us briefly why you chose this position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of briefly Kleban briefly entered the Senate race last year before dropping out when Mills announced her candidacy. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 Back on set for the third season of Wednesday in Dublin, Ireland, Doohan briefly stepped away from production to promote Evil Dead Burn. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 His older brother, Drayk, plays football and briefly played baseball for Notre Dame. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Pratt echoed some of those allegations after early returns briefly showed him in second place before later vote counts pushed him into third. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for briefly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for briefly

Adverb

Washington Crossing the Delaware is perfect tour-guide material—it can be seen by a bunch of people at once, and its story can be told concisely, timed to the minute.

— Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026
Knowing what to do if a power surge damages your appliances and electronics is essential for protecting your home, preventing future issues, and reporting damages clearly and concisely to your insurance company and the local electric company.

— Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026

Definition of concisely

Adverb

The blaze, which broke out shortly before midnight Sunday, apparently spread rapidly across a ceiling lined with flammable decorative materials before reaching the main entrance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Getty Images/iStockphoto When someone dies, financial questions tend to surface shortly thereafter, even if the grieving process has just started.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of shortly

Browse Nearby Words

briefings

briefly

briefness

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“Briefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/briefly. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of briefly

adverb

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