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 Britannica Quiz Moss finds and removes the tracking device shortly before Chigurh arrives, giving him time to prepare for an attack. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Edward Igoe, a sheriff’s spokesperson, said the incident began shortly before noon along the Capital City Freeway. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The incident began shortly before noon, when California Highway Patrol officers reported encountering a person armed with a knife during a traffic violation, according to the sheriff's office. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Salling, who played Noah Puckerman, died by suicide in 2018 shortly before he would have been sentenced for charges relating to possession of child pornography. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly

Adverb

The researchers also found evidence that features of both states could briefly coexist, suggesting that their relationship is more complicated than a simple winner-takes-all competition.

— Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
Apple's market value briefly surpassed Nvidia in July, before falling back below.

— Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of briefly

Adverb

Rose soon shed their Americana trappings, publicly embraced their queerness, and revamped their musical identity.

— Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of soon

Adverb

There is one fascinating bit after the next in this exhibit, all laid out concisely by Henneman in the wall text.

— Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Communicating it simply and concisely requires a clear framework, strong data and deep business understanding.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026