soon

adverb

ˈsün How to pronounce soon (audio)
especially New England ˈsu̇n
sooner; soonest
Synonyms of soonnext
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
Usage of Safe

Both "drive safe" and "drive safely" are acceptable. Flat adverbs, as adverbs without -ly are called, are common in English; examples include soon in "see you soon" and fast in "time goes so fast." Adverbial safe functions in the same way these do.

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
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.
Things could turn around soon, with Emilio Pagan and Pierce Johnson gearing up for returns to shore up the bullpen, ace Hunter Greene getting set to start a rehab assignment, and Elly De La Cruz increasing his baseball activities. Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The loggers left in 1955, and the Ranch soon welcomed guests again (and of course—became a guiding force in western hospitality, favored by those seeking a true Montana experience). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026 Silverton has trailblazed a career through the food industry, but has no plans of retiring anytime soon. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026 What began as a gathering outside Union Station soon evolved into a march toward Washington Square Park. J.m. Banks june 15, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for soon

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soon. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster