2
general::
recently
not long ago, especially a few days, weeks, or months ago:
• The President has recently returned from a tour of South America. • A new species of plant was recently discovered in Brazil.
lately
especially spoken during the recent past, especially during the weeks or days closest to now:
• I’ve been really busy lately so I haven’t been out much. • There hasn’t been much in the news lately.
just
especially spoken a very short time ago, especially only a few minutes, hours, days, or weeks ago:
• John’s just gone out. • They’ve just had a new baby.
a short/little while ago
especially spoken not long ago – often used when you are not sure exactly when:
• That house was sold a short while ago. • I looked in on her a little while ago and she was fast asleep.
the other day
spoken recently, especially only a few days ago:
• I met Lucy in town the other day. • You’ll never guess what happened to me the other day.
freshly
made, prepared, done etc not long ago – used especially about food and drink. Also used about things that have just been painted, washed, or dug:
• freshly baked bread • freshly squeezed orange juice • The boat had been freshly painted.
newly
created, built, married etc not long ago:
• the newly created position of Chief Designer • a newly married couple • their newly elected president
Longman-Thesaurus