Abruptly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ə-ˈbrəp(t)-lē/ abrupt·ly

Meaning & Definition of Abruptly

Abruptly (adverb)

  1. in an abrupt manner, in a sudden and unexpected way

Abruptly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. with great suddenness

    "the car in front stopped abruptly, and we almost hit it"

    similar: short, suddenly, all of a sudden
    related: surprisingly, unexpectedly, directly, immediately, incontinently, instantaneously, instantly, promptly, pronto, right, right away, right off, straightaway, fast, full tilt, posthaste, quick, quickly, rapidly, readily, snappily, speedily, swift, swiftly, hastily, impetuously, impulsively, rashly, recklessly
    near: gradually, slowly, hesitantly

Related Entry: Abrupt (adjective)

Abrupt is a different word from Abruptly. The synonyms below are for abrupt, not for abruptly.

  1. being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner

    "the policeman's abrupt manner discouraged me from trying to claim that I hadn't seen the red light"

    similar: bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, curt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious
    related: gruff, rough, snappish, candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, open, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, point-blank, straightforward, straight-out, artless, discourteous, disrespectful, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, insensitive, rude, tactless, undiplomatic, brief, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, terse, tight-lipped, earnest, honest, sincere, coarse, crass, crude, low, uncouth, vulgar
    opposite: circuitous, mealymouthed
    near: civil, considerate, courteous, diplomatic, gracious, polite, politic, smooth, suave, tactful, loquacious, talkative, voluble, long-winded, prolix, verbose, courtly, cultivated, gallant, genteel, polished, refined

  2. having an incline approaching the perpendicular

    "the gentle, rolling hills gradually give way to high mountains with abrupt sides"

    similar: bold, precipitous, sheer, steep
    related: perpendicular, plumb, straight, vertical, craggy, hillocky, hilly, mountainous, scarped, angled, canted, cocked, heeled, inclined, listed, slanted, sloped, tilted, tipped
    opposite: easy
    near: gentle, gradual, moderate, soft, even, flat, flush, horizontal, level, plane, smooth, unruffled, unwrinkled

  3. not expected

    "his abrupt reappearance seems to have caught everyone off guard"

    similar: sudden, unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen, unlooked-for
    related: unintended, unplanned, improbable, unlikely, startling, surprising
    opposite: anticipated, expected, foreseen
    near: predicted, prophesied, unsurprising

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abruptly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abruptly:

short, suddenly, all of a sudden

Related Words for Abruptly

surprisingly, unexpectedly, directly, immediately, incontinently, instantaneously, instantly, promptly, pronto, right, right away, right off, straightaway, fast, full tilt, posthaste, quick, quickly, rapidly, readily, snappily, speedily, swift, swiftly, hastily, impetuously, impulsively, rashly, recklessly

Near Antonyms of Abruptly

gradually, slowly, hesitantly

Origin & Etymology of Abruptly

First known use: 1565

Frequently Asked Questions about Abruptly

What does "Abruptly" mean?

"Abruptly" means in an abrupt manner, in a sudden and unexpected way. As an adverb, it is defined as: in an abrupt manner, in a sudden and unexpected way.

What is another word for "Abruptly"?

Other words for "Abruptly" include short, suddenly and all of a sudden. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abruptly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abruptly"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abruptly". Common alternatives include short, suddenly and all of a sudden.

How do you use "Abruptly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abruptly" in a sentence: "the car in front stopped abruptly, and we almost hit it".

Is "Abruptly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abruptly" is an adverb.

How do you pronounce "Abruptly"?

"Abruptly" is pronounced /ə-ˈbrəp(t)-lē/ and divided into syllables as abrupt·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Abruptly"?

First known use: 1565.

What is another word for "Abruptly" meaning "with great suddenness"?

When "Abruptly" (adverb) means with great suddenness, synonyms include short, suddenly and all of a sudden.