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

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 shortly The suit alleges his office failed to follow up on warning signs and scrutinize the Esparto companies, citing a 2023 explosion in San Jose and a record-breaking fireworks seizure in southern California shortly before the deadly blast in Esparto. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Camani Bartletto, 18, was hit with the charge for allegedly firing at an Uber shortly before the detective was shot — and was also charged with gun possession, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026 Participating in communal morning prayers, which require a quorum of 10 men and can’t start until shortly before sunrise, would have to be weighed against work and school obligations and commuting arrangements. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 25 July 2026 For fuller hair in a single use, and longer, stronger strands shortly thereafter, shop the Dersie Rice Water Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner for $22 at Amazon. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly

Adverb

Fawaz briefly brought me up to date on Singer’s story, which stretches back to 2008 when founder Rob Dickinson started working on his own 1969 Porsche 911E in Los Angeles.

— Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some landed on nearby plants, while others rested on guests’ clothing or settled briefly on the ground.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of briefly

Adverb

Munster, who has extensively researched Ebola, was locked out of his lab soon after the January detention.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The organization has also installed four emergency clinic modules for local healthcare facilities, with a fifth expected to open soon.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of soon

Adverb

Maybe Spain never quite produced a picture-book goal to concisely summarise their style and quality.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2026
These systems predominantly elevate short-form content in which creators must speak quickly and concisely to get high engagement — limiting those who might opt for this form to make a living.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 July 2026