shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio)
Synonyms of shortlynext
1
a
: in a few words : briefly
b
: in an abrupt manner
2
a
: in a short time
we will be there shortly
b
: at a short interval
shortly after sunset

Synonyms of shortly

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Examples of shortly in a Sentence

He left shortly after you did. “I can't help you right now,” he said shortly.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The company completed its takeover of AI customer service platform Fin last month, shortly before the start its influential Dreamforce conference, which showcased its plan to thrive in an AI-first world. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Coach Bill Self, who hugged Bidunga shortly before tip, was not pleased with the obscene chants staring into the student section. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 The two have scouted an as-yet undisclosed location for the concept, and expect to break ground shortly. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Jurors began deliberating shortly before midday after closing arguments Monday morning. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortly was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing shortly

Rhymes for shortly

See All Rhymes for shortly

Browse Nearby Words

short loin
shortly
shortly after
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Cite this Entry

“Shortly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortly. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortly

adverb
short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio)
1
: in a few words : briefly
2
: in or within a short time : soon
will arrive shortly
shortly after sunset
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