shortly before

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.

Surveillance footage showed him holding a phone to his ear shortly before the robbery.

From Slate • May 20, 2026

Xi and Putin declared a “no limits” friendship between their countries in 2022, shortly before the start of the war, and the Russian leader is eager to show that connection remains.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Forward spread on the blaze was halted shortly before 4 p.m. as firefighters worked to establish and strengthen containment lines and some evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings, according to Cal Fire Riverside.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Streeting and Starmer met shortly before the Labour government set out its legislative programme in the King's Speech, which marked the start of a new parliamentary session.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

They arrived on a fine Sunday morning shortly before Christmas, entering the hacienda with all the clamor of a pirate crew.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende