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 play was initially ruled a triple with an error, but was shortly overturned to an inside-the-park home run. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 July 2026 There’s also been speculation that Wells was in an altercation shortly before he was reported missing. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 Platner’s paperwork was received by the Maine secretary of state’s office and reflected shortly thereafter in its online withdrawal list. — Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 These drills include instructions for boarding lifeboats and safely evacuating the ship in an emergency situation, but CNN reported that no such drill was held for 600 passengers who boarded the Concordia shortly before embarking. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortly

Adverb

More than 200 people were turned away at the door as the venue reached capacity, with several dozen protesters briefly pushing past security and forcing entry into the room.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
In those places, day will briefly turn to twilight and, in a clear sky, the sun’s corona will become visible around the moon for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 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

The firms most eager to deploy physical AI (logistics, retail, construction) are often precisely the ones without that safety-governance heritage, which is where the governance gap is widest.

— Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Machado’s allies counter that preventing the country’s most recognizable opposition leader from returning during its gravest humanitarian crisis sends precisely the wrong political message.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026