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 Speck paid another visit to Monmouth shortly before ending up in Chicago. — Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 Truelove was apprehended shortly thereafter, and both Roker and Melvin appeared on air some 15 minutes later. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 At least one suspicious or unknown individual had been spotted inside Central Hall shortly before the theft took place. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Investigators believe McHargue was driving more than 100 miles per hour — more than double the speed limit — shortly before the crash. — Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly

Adverb

Saudi Arabia briefly issued warnings in two locations before lifting them several minutes later, saying the danger had passed.

— Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Southern coast may briefly experience heat index values in excess of 110 degrees.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Definition of 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

And that’s a lot of energy to shed as a vehicle comes blaring back into Earth’s thick atmosphere, a process that typically annihilates objects returning from space unless they are precisely designed to survive the trip.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
In addition, exposure to a magnetic field changes the amount of that rotation, and allows the sensor to precisely measure the field’s strength.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026