Have you ever used “shortly too often when you mean “soon”? Learning synonyms for shortly can help you make your writing and speech clearer and less repetitive. Words such as soon, presently, before long, and in a moment can express a similar idea, although their use can vary by context.
Understanding these differences helps students, bloggers, content writers, and everyday English users choose the right expression naturally.
Quick Answer
The closest synonyms for shortly when it means “soon” are soon, presently, before long, in a short time, and in a little while. When it means “briefly” or “in few words,” useful alternatives include briefly, in brief, in short, concisely, and succinctly. When shortly describes a curt response, curtly and tersely can be more precise.
Table of Synonyms and Alternatives
| Word or Phrase | Category | Best Context |
| Soon | Direct synonym | Something happening after a short time |
| Presently | Direct synonym | Something happening soon; formal usage |
| Before long | Close synonym | Something expected soon |
| In a short time | Close synonym | Something happening after a short period |
| In a little while | Close synonym | Waiting for a short period |
| In a moment | Close alternative | Something happening very soon |
| In a bit | Informal alternative | Soon in casual English |
| Any minute | Close alternative | Something expected very soon |
| Before too long | Close alternative | Something expected within a reasonably short time |
| Momentarily | Context-dependent synonym | Very soon or for a very short time |
| Shortly afterward | Contextual alternative | Soon after an earlier event |
| Soon afterward | Contextual alternative | A short time after an earlier event |
| Shortly after | Contextual alternative | Soon after a particular time or event |
| Soon after | Contextual alternative | A short time after something |
| Not long after | Contextual alternative | Soon after a previous event |
| A short time later | Contextual alternative | A short period after an event |
| Within a short time | Close alternative | Before much time has passed |
| In the near future | Broader time alternative | At a relatively close future time |
| Briefly | Direct synonym for another sense | For a short time or using few words |
| In brief | Close alternative | Giving only the main points |
| In short | Close alternative | Giving a brief summary |
| Concisely | Related synonym | Expressing something in few words |
| Succinctly | Related synonym | Expressing something briefly and clearly |
| In a few words | Close alternative | Giving a short explanation |
| To put it briefly | Close alternative | Introducing a brief explanation |
| Curtly | Contextual synonym | Giving a short, abrupt response |
| Tersely | Contextual synonym | Giving a brief, direct response |
| In a few moments | Close time expression | Something happening very soon |
| Promptly | Related alternative | Acting without unnecessary delay |
| Right away | Immediate alternative | Acting immediately |
Accuracy note: These 30 entries cover the main meanings and common contexts of shortly. They are not all interchangeable. The first group mainly expresses “soon,” while briefly, concisely, curtly, and tersely relate to different senses of brevity. Contextual expressions such as shortly after require a reference event, while promptly and right away focus on quick or immediate action.
Definition and Meaning of Shortly
Shortly is an adverb with two main meanings.
1. Shortly means “soon”
When shortly refers to time, it means soon or after a short period.
- The bus will arrive shortly.
- We will begin shortly.
In this sense, soon is usually the closest and most natural everyday synonym.
2. Shortly can describe a brief or curt manner
In some contexts, shortly can describe a response that is brief, abrupt, or lacking in detail.
- He replied shortly and left.
- She answered shortly.
When you simply mean “using a few words,” briefly is usually clearer. When you mean a short and somewhat abrupt response, curtly or tersely may be more precise.
The best alternative depends on the meaning and context.
Synonyms for Shortly
1. Soon
Meaning: Soon means after a short amount of time.
Examples:
- I will call you soon.
- The new store will open soon.
Accuracy: This is the closest everyday synonym for shortly when it means “after a short time.”
2. Presently
Meaning: Presently can mean soon or in a short time.
Examples:
- The doctor will see you presently.
- We will discuss the matter presently.
Usage note: In the “soon” sense, presently can sound formal or somewhat old-fashioned. It can also mean “currently” in other contexts.
3. Before Long
Meaning: Before long means within a short or reasonably short period.
Examples:
- You will feel better before long.
- Before long, the children were ready to leave.
4. In a Short Time
Meaning: In a short time means after only a small amount of time has passed.
Examples:
- The food will be ready in a short time.
- She learned the basic rules in a short time.
5. In a Little While
Meaning: In a little while means after a short period of waiting.
Examples:
- I will come back in a little while.
- We can start the game in a little while.
6. In a Moment
Meaning: In a moment means very soon or after a very short wait.
Examples:
- I will help you in a moment.
- Your order will be ready in a moment.
Read More: Synonyms for Website: 18 Words You Can Use Instead
7. In a Bit
Meaning: In a bit means soon or after a short time in casual English.
Examples:
- I will text you in a bit.
- We can leave in a bit.
Usage note: This is especially natural in informal conversation.
8. Any Minute
Meaning: Any minute means something is expected to happen very soon.
Examples:
- Dad should be home any minute.
- The guests could arrive any minute.
9. Before Too Long
Meaning: Before too long means within a reasonably short period.
Examples:
- You will understand the lesson before too long.
- Before too long, everyone was laughing.
10. Momentarily
Meaning: Momentarily can mean very soon or for a very short time.
Examples:
- The train should arrive momentarily.
- The lights went out momentarily.
Usage note: The meaning depends on context. In the first sentence, it means very soon. In the second, it means for a very short time.
11. Shortly Afterward
Meaning: Shortly afterward means soon after an earlier event.
Examples:
- The lights went out shortly afterward.
- She left the office shortly afterward.
Usage note: This expression needs an earlier event or time as a reference.
12. Soon Afterward
Meaning: Soon afterward means a short time after something else happened.
Examples:
- He apologized soon afterward.
- The rain stopped soon afterward.
Read More: Synonyms for Bucket: 15 Useful Alternatives Explained
13. Shortly After
Meaning: Shortly after means soon after a particular event or time.
Examples:
- We arrived shortly after lunch.
- The store opened shortly after nine.
14. Soon After
Meaning: Soon after means a short time after a particular event.
Examples:
- She called soon after the meeting.
- The problems began soon after the launch.
15. Not Long After
Meaning: Not long after means soon after another event or time.
Examples:
- He moved away not long after graduation.
- Not long after dinner, the children went to bed.
16. A Short Time Later
Meaning: A short time later means after a brief period has passed.
Examples:
- A short time later, the bus arrived.
- She returned a short time later.
17. Within a Short Time
Meaning: Within a short time means before much time has passed.
Examples:
- You should receive a reply within a short time.
- The problem was solved within a short time.
18. In the Near Future
Meaning: In the near future means at a relatively close time from now.
Examples:
- We plan to move in the near future.
- The company may release a new product in the near future.
Usage note: This is broader and less precise than shortly. It can refer to a longer period.
Read More: Synonyms for Potion: 30 Words for Magical and Medicinal Drinks
19. Briefly
Meaning: Briefly means for a short time or using few words.
Examples:
- She briefly explained the problem.
- We briefly discussed the new plan.
Usage note: Briefly is useful when shortly refers to brevity rather than “soon.”
20. In Brief
Meaning: In brief means giving only the most important information.
Examples:
- In brief, the plan needs more work.
- In brief, we need a new approach.
21. In Short
Meaning: In short means giving the main idea without unnecessary details.
Examples:
- In short, we need more time.
- In short, the plan did not work.
22. Concisely
Meaning: Concisely means expressing an idea clearly in few words.
Examples:
- Please explain your answer concisely.
- She described the problem concisely.
Usage note: Concisely focuses on brevity and clarity rather than time.
23. Succinctly
Meaning: Succinctly means expressing something clearly and briefly.
Examples:
- He explained the rule succinctly.
- The writer summarized the issue succinctly.
24. In a Few Words
Meaning: In a few words means using only a small number of words.
Examples:
- In a few words, tell me what happened.
- She described the project in a few words.
Read More: Synonyms for Moisture: 30 Words with meaning and Example
25. To Put It Briefly
Meaning: To put it briefly means to express an idea in a short way.
Examples:
- To put it briefly, the job is finished.
- To put it briefly, we need better tools.
26. Curtly
Meaning: Curtly means in a brief, abrupt, or sometimes unfriendly way.
Examples:
- He replied curtly to the question.
- She curtly refused the offer.
Usage note: Curtly is not a synonym for shortly when it means “soon.” It applies to the sense of giving a short or abrupt response.
27. Tersely
Meaning: Tersely means using very few words, often in a direct way.
Examples:
- He answered the question tersely.
- She explained the situation tersely.
Usage note: Tersely emphasizes brevity and directness.
28. In a Few Moments
Meaning: In a few moments means after a very short period.
Examples:
- The show will begin in a few moments.
- Your table will be ready in a few moments.
Usage note: This is a close time expression rather than a universal replacement for shortly.
29. Promptly
Meaning: Promptly means without unnecessary delay.
Examples:
- Please reply promptly to the email.
- The nurse responded promptly.
Usage note: Promptly focuses on timely action or response rather than simply meaning “soon.”
30. Right Away
Meaning: Right away means immediately or with almost no waiting.
Examples:
- I will send the file right away.
- Please come here right away.
Usage note: Right away is stronger than shortly because it normally means immediately.
Read More: 30 Synonyms for Redemptive: Meanings and Examples
Short Answer and Questions
What is the closest synonym for shortly?
Soon is usually the closest and most natural synonym when shortly means “in a short time.”
Does shortly mean soon?
Yes. One of the main meanings of shortly is soon or after a short period of time.
What is the difference between shortly and briefly?
Shortly often means “soon,” while briefly usually means “for a short time” or “using few words.”
Can it be replaced shortly?
Only in some contexts. If shortly refers to brevity, briefly may work. If shortly means “soon,” briefly usually cannot replace it.
Is presently a synonym for shortly?
Yes, presently can mean “soon,” although this use may sound formal or somewhat old-fashioned. Presently can also mean “currently” in other contexts.
What is a casual synonym for shortly?
In a bit and in a moment are natural casual alternatives when you mean “soon.”
What is the difference between shortly and soon?
Both can mean that something will happen after a short time. Soon is more common in everyday English, while shortly can sound slightly more formal.
Can shortly describe a short explanation?
It can, but the meaning depends on context. When you mean “using few words,” briefly, in brief, or concisely is often clearer.
What is a synonym for shortly when someone gives a curt answer?
Curtly or tersely can be appropriate when shortly describes a brief, abrupt response.
Conclusion
Learning synonyms for shortly gives you more precise ways to express time, brevity, and short responses. Words such as soon, before long, and in a moment work well when something will happen after a short time. Alternatives such as briefly, in short, and concisely are better when the focus is on using a few words. Curtly and tersely can describe short, direct responses. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right expression for essays, blog posts, emails, and everyday conversations.
Rafaqat Ali is the founder of RankVorexa, a vocabulary-focused website dedicated to synonyms, word meanings, and better English word choices. He creates simple, useful, and easy-to-understand content to help students, writers, bloggers, and English learners improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
