promptly

adverb

1
: in a prompt manner : without delay : very quickly or immediately
I'm going to speak French again, something I learned in school and promptly forgot. Deanna Pai
Treatment is promptly resumed until the virus is suppressed again, and then stopped to see if the patient's immune system is able to keep the viral levels in check. Joan Stephenson
2
: exactly at a particular time or the correct time
She arrived promptly at 7:00 p.m. as we had agreed.

Examples of promptly in a Sentence

shipped the package promptly so that it would arrive on time
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.
With the 100% withholding rule back, anyone who receives an overpayment notice should promptly contact SSA. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 He was then promptly detained and scheduled for deportation. Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025 If guests are seated promptly, the kitchen doesn’t have to struggle with overcooking or items becoming cold, as everything is timed perfectly. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025 Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promptly

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of promptly was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Promptly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promptly. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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