shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

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

• briefly
• compactly
• concisely
• crisply
• curtly
• elliptically
• laconically
• pithily
• succinctly
• summarily
• tersely

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

But prosecutors made a disclosure shortly before opening arguments began Friday that could upend that approach. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

The crash occurred on the northbound side of the highway just prior to Exit 90 shortly before 11:15 p.m., according to Connecticut State Police. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025

Speaking of which, Nielsen is expected to announce the formal expansion of its OOH coverage shortly before Super Bowl LIX kicks off in New Orleans on Feb. 9. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025

The son of South Bay restaurateurs shared a video clip of himself jumping up and down at the moment the best picture nomination was announced, shortly before 6 a.m. PST. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing shortly

• shortly after

Kids Definition

shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

1

: in a few words : briefly

2

: in or within a short time : soon

will arrive shortly

shortly after sunset