1
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
2
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
Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was killed by police shortly afterward in a shootout.
—
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Both are the newest members of the band, after Castle Rat’s original lead guitarist and bassist left shortly before the release of the debut album.
—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
29 June 2026
The game against Ghana was the midfielder’s 201st for his country, with his first cap coming shortly before the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
On that sunny day in Palo Alto, Brazil won 1-0 against the feisty Americans, but not before losing a player to a red card shortly before halftime.
—
Gabriel Sama,
Mercury News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortly
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Both are the newest members of the band, after Castle Rat’s original lead guitarist and bassist left shortly before the release of the debut album.
—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
29 June 2026
The game against Ghana was the midfielder’s 201st for his country, with his first cap coming shortly before the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
28 June 2026
On that sunny day in Palo Alto, Brazil won 1-0 against the feisty Americans, but not before losing a player to a red card shortly before halftime.
—
Gabriel Sama,
Mercury News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly
Adverb
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In what is now the desert Southwest, Velarde was born among the remnants of the Spanish empire and lived under the flags of Mexico and Texas; briefly, the Confederacy, though his family opposed it; and finally, under the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
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After initially selling its stock at $135 apiece in its ballyhooed initial public offering earlier this month, SpaceX’s price briefly soared above $225 within its first few days of trading.
Adverb
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Turner, a family attorney, told attendees that Crump would be traveling to Senatobia soon to continue the push for accountability.
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The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.
Adverb
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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.
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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.
Adverb
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Yes, the United States will be there, or, precisely, here at Levi’s Stadium for its knockout-phase debut Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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This swift move lower is precisely why QQQ put option premiums are so elevated.
Cite this Entry
“Shortly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortly. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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