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for a short time

ADVERB
momentarily
Synonyms
STRONGEST
briefly immediately instantly temporarily
WEAK
for a little while for a minute for a moment for a second for a short while for an instant now right now
Antonyms
STRONGEST
eventually later permanently
WEAK
lengthily

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If you’ve only been in town for a short time, you have no idea what is going on outside those walls.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Upon coming back to the states, he tried out college for a short time before dropping out and moving to Berkeley.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Crocodiles defend nests and newly hatched young for a short time, but juveniles soon disperse and live on their own, taking years to reach full size.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

Jackson’s is the third episode of the 10th season — the one following Eddie Murphy’s departure, but preceding the season that introduced Danitra Vance and, for a short time, Damon Wayans.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

To his credit, he only yelled at us for a short time about burning the sleeping bag.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata