SHORTLY Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

shortly

adverb

ˈshȯrt-lē

Definition of shortly

as in briefly

in a few words the sudden closing of the restaurant was announced only with a shortly worded sign: "Out of Business"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in soon

at or within a short time the meeting will begin shortly, so don't go too far away to find a bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of shortly According to witnesses, shortly before the attack, speakers at the rally said that ensuring security and eliminating militancy were the state’s responsibility. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 Outside the path of totality, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe shortly before sunset, while northeastern North America sees a shallow partial eclipse during the afternoon. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The Sacramento City Teachers Association released a response shortly afterward, with President Nikki Davis-Milevsky slamming the decision and urging the district to appeal the rescission to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. — Chaewon Chung updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The two connected shortly thereafter on a play-action pass for a first down. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly

Adverb

In February, a 17-year-old stole a gun from police and opened fire at a public high school in southern Thailand, briefly taking people hostage in a two-hour attack that killed one person and wounded two others.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Wang founded the firm in 2016 after briefly working for Chinese drone giant DJI.

— Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of briefly

Adverb

On Tuesday, Art Week NYC, the soon-to-launch annual citywide celebration of contemporary art presented by ARTnews, Art in America, and Artforum, announced the galleries participating in its gallery program.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
There is zero pressure on this team from a fan base whose attention span, and passion, will soon be distracted by the arrival of another football season.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of soon

Adverb

For most eclipse chasers traveling well inside the path of totality, precisely where the edge of the path is makes no difference.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Up front, there’s a new nose with new ductwork that allows air to flow more efficiently and precisely, generating more downforce, eliminating turbulence, and also improving cooling.

— Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026