presently
adverb
Usage of Presently
Both senses 1b and 2 are flourishing in current English, but many commentators have objected to sense 2. Since this sense has been in continuous use since the 15th century, it is not clear why it is objectionable. Perhaps a note in the Oxford English Dictionary (1909) that the sense has been obsolete since the 17th century in literary English is to blame, but the note goes on to observe that the sense is in regular use in most English dialects. The last citation in that dictionary is from a 1901 Leeds newspaper, written in Standard English. Sense 2 is most common in contexts relating to business and politics.
William Safire
Synonyms
Examples of presently in a Sentence
Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
The failure of those on the right who have endorsed Harris to remain rooted in timeless principles damages them both presently and retroactively.
—Jack Butler, National Review, 27 Oct. 2024
The truth is that parametric and parametric-like insurance options are presently limited in the U.S., but there’s room for expansion and innovation that can offer renters cost-effective, flexible insurance to protect their belongings, and ultimately their finances, in a natural disaster event.
—Kelly Anonson, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Combs is presently in federal custody, awaiting his May 5, 2025 trial date.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for presently 
Dictionary Entries Near presently
Cite this Entry
“Presently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presently. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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presently
adverb
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