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

All eyes were on her not only because of their great work (more on that shortly, too!), but also because of her show-stopping red gown by Bronx and Banco. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025

Boston likely won't reveal its opening day roster until shortly before facing the Texas Rangers in Thursday's season opener. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

State police found that the location data on Sidoti’s phone was consistent with being powered down shortly before 2 a.m. and powered back up just before 3 a.m., the warrant affidavit said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2025

In the chat, Hegseth detailed the plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen shortly before the strikes took place, and other top officials weighed in, according to Goldberg. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing shortly

• shortly after

Rhymes for shortly

• courtly
• portly

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