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.
Davion Mitchell then helped restore order with a score, a steal and an assist, with the Heat shortly thereafter going up 11. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Video then captured a fight shortly before the same teen in all black emerged with a firearm and opened fire. — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Eduardo suggested shortly before the runoff election that Flávio ought to leave Brazil if his bid for the presidency failed. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 Police said the man’s parole officer identified him as a person in surveillance photos that captured the involved vehicle shortly before the shooting, police said. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortly. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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