promptly

adverb

prompt·​ly ˈpräm(p)t-lē How to pronounce promptly (audio)
ˈpräm-plē
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.
The Japanese government promptly purchased more than 100 copies of Yardley’s book, sending it to embassies and legations to encourage them to strengthen their codes. Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 That said, if the trade conflict isn’t resolved promptly — or if tariffs increase further or retaliation escalates— the stock market could see more sustained volatility ahead. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Upon being named Best New Artist at last night’s ceremony, the 26-year-old singer took to the stage in a pointy cap (which promptly fell to the floor) and a robe that was scrunched into pearlescent folds. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025 The full board then promptly and thoroughly reviewed this matter and has addressed it with Mr. Smith. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near promptly

Cite this Entry

“Promptly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promptly. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on promptly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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