soon

adverb

ˈsün How to pronounce soon (audio)
 especially New England  ˈsu̇n
sooner; soonest
1
: without undue time lapse : before long
soon after sunrise
2
: in a prompt manner : speedily
as soon as possible
the sooner the better
no sooner said than done
3
: in agreement with one's choice or preference : willingly
I'd just as soon walk as drive
4
archaic : before the usual time
5
obsolete : at once : immediately

Examples of soon in a Sentence

We will soon be making changes. The soonest I can get there is tomorrow. When is the soonest possible date of delivery? The audience soon realized that it wasn't a stunt. She found a job soon after graduation. How soon can you finish the job? The sooner you finish your homework, the sooner you can go outside and play. I will let you know as soon as possible. I'll get there as soon as I can.
Recent Examples on the Web Both soon established themselves as the Mustang’s archrivals, on the street and in motorsport. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 Losing Cousins means O’Connell, 38, will now be judged on identifying a long-term quarterback and developing him into one who leads the club into the playoffs although likely not soon, given how formidable the youthful Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers appear. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 But soon, another three-digit number will enter the metro Detroit area code pool. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 12 Mar. 2024 That includes Sandu, which is opening soon at Zócalo Food Truck Park, and S'blendid Boba Tea, opening soon in Bay View by the same owner, Malee Thao. Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 Other sports teams and league partnerships will be announced soon. Joe Otterson, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 Here is what to know. Narcan: The first opioid overdose reversal medication approved for over-the-counter purchase will soon arrive in many stores. Jan Hoffman, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 From Mexico to Florida, spring breakers at major universities and colleges across Ohio will soon flood a host of tropical destinations this March and April despite travel warnings from U.S. Embassies in Mexico. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024 Its detailed daily report shows that its electronic system for counting the dead was disrupted on Nov. 12, when communication was lost with three major hospitals in the north, soon followed by more in other parts of Gaza. Aya Batrawy, NPR, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English soone, from Old English sōna; akin to Old High German sān immediately

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of soon was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near soon

Cite this Entry

“Soon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soon. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

soon

adverb
ˈsün How to pronounce soon (audio)
 especially New England  ˈsu̇n
1
: before long : without delay
soon after sunrise
2
: in a speedy way
as soon as possible
3
archaic : before the usual time
4
: by choice
would as soon do it now

More from Merriam-Webster on soon

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