Thesaurus results for BEFORE LONG

before long

adverb

Definition of before long

as in shortly

at or within a short time the painters ought to be done before long

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of before long But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 The car-sharing marketplace app lets drivers try out hybrids and EVs before long-term commitment. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 22 June 2026 What begins as an awkward confrontation soon turns into an unexpected romance, and before long, Milly invites Glenn to join the family on a Caribbean resort vacation. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 But before long, the singer/guitarist’s blunt attitude that’s splayed all over Lambrini Girls’ protest songs comes out to play. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for before long

Recent Examples of Synonyms for before long

Adverb

She was elected to the Raytown C-2 School Board in 2021, shortly before winning her legislative seat.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
McDonald has already been snapped up by Melbourne side St Kilda and will shortly depart for Australia to begin his AFL career.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of shortly

Adverb

Munster, who has extensively researched Ebola, was locked out of his lab soon after the January detention.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The organization has also installed four emergency clinic modules for local healthcare facilities, with a fifth expected to open soon.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of soon

Browse Nearby Words

beforehand

before long

befoul

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before%20long. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of before long

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on before long

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

inveigle

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes