BRIEFLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

briefly

adverb

ˈbrē-flē

Definition of briefly

as in concisely

in a few words tell us briefly why you chose this position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 briefly Sherriff’s last big-league appearance came with the Red Sox, but the Culver City, California native did get the chance to join the Dodgers organization briefly. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The reality star — who was briefly engaged to the winner of his season, Hannah Ann Sluss, and dated his fifth place contestant, Kelley Flanagan, on and off for years — addressed the book for the first time on Monday. — Sarah Hearon, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 The new educational panels were designed to replace ones put up in 2010 that told the story of how nine slaves lived in the home along with George and Martha Washington in the 1790s, when Philadelphia was briefly the nation’s capital. — Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 The system, identified as NEP25A, reached a record size for the region in September 2025, briefly covering about 10 million square kilometers of the Northeast Pacific, according to NOAA. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for briefly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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 trade was agreed to shortly before midnight on June 22 prior to being formalized on Monday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
The plan ended when, as explained below, a federal judge issued a key injunction, and the players ended the strike shortly before the start of the 1995 season.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of shortly

Browse Nearby Words

briefings

briefly

briefness

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“Briefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/briefly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of briefly

adverb

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