PRESENTLY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

presently

adverb

ˈpre-zᵊnt-lē

Definition of presently

as in shortly

at or within a short time I cannot attend to the matter this instant, but I will presently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in currently

at the present time we are presently waiting in line for our turn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in now

without delay the performance is starting presently

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 presently The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is presently being investigated for ties to the terrorist rulers of Gaza. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Whether or not this signal will prove to be genuine is presently impossible to say. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 Conaty, who is presently the chief curator of the Whitney Museum of American Art, will assume her new role on October 27. — News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026 First and foremost is, roughly, that thou shalt not think about ordinary objects presently whizzing through ordinary space. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for presently

Recent Examples of Synonyms for presently

Adverb

This came shortly before South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) determined 38-19 was a suitable-enough beating.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Houthi attacks on Thursday and earlier in the week had already prompted a number of carriers to suspend or cancel services to the Saudi capital, shortly before Riyadh is due to host major energy and investment conferences.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of shortly

Adverb

This narrative of the woes of leadership could serve as a cautionary tale for the few dozen men and women in both of America’s political parties currently searching their souls and consulting their spouses about whether to run for president.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The Dream are currently planning to play at least some home games in their 3,500-seat venue, a reminder that while the W has seen large commercial growth in recent years, there’s still more to be seen.

— Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of currently

Adverb

The deficit, which will now be added to the growing national debt, was 12 percent higher than the year before, with Republicans--who used to be deficit scolds--controlling the executive and legislative branches.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
On Friday evening, ABC News republished a new version of the story re-reported by Charalambous, now without a byline.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of now

Adverb

First-time buyers made up just 21% of home purchases in the National Association of Realtors’ latest annual survey, a record low, and Zillow’s CEO doesn’t expect that to change soon.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
But the city soon turns her plans upside down as Julia becomes drawn into a new job, a new life and two unexpected romances.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of soon

Adverb

The 1996 work is part of eight self-portraits Bowie created during a prolific period of painting, all of which were snapped up immediately.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
The Nobel committee did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment following Rubio’s announcement.

— Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediately

Adverb

After a half hour of miscommunication, Pike was promptly hospitalized and placed on a ventilator.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Relentlessly enterprising and six feet seven, a literally oversized character, Levandowski had entered an autonomous motorcycle, Ghost Rider, which started the course and promptly fell over.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of promptly

Adverb

While the resulting hydrogen can help decarbonize industries that are difficult to electrify directly, its wider adoption has been constrained by its cost compared with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
In this region, soft, sandy beaches are abundant, not only directly in front of the resort but on both sides of it, and surfers can find some excellent, challenging breaks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of directly

Browse Nearby Words

presenting

presently

presentment

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Style

“Presently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presently. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of presently

adverb

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