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.
Meier ran the Ritz Hotel’s bar from 1921 until shortly before his death, in 1947. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The past few weeks have seen the former Dateline correspondent and To Catch a Predator host state that he was not consulted on the movie and did not know about the production until shortly before the trailer dropped in May. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026 Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies ended Nick Castellanos’ tenure in dramatic fashion, cutting him shortly before the season began despite a significant remaining salary. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 On March 21, shortly before the grand jury’s presentation, Cusick said, Hedrick killed himself. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 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

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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 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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