before long

adverb

Synonyms of before longnext
: in the near future : soon

Examples of before long in a Sentence

the painters ought to be done before long
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.
Investors expect the efficiency push to start paying off before long, which could make this the year the stock goes from laggard to leader. Jeran Wittenstein, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026 Maybe there will be more firings and openings before long. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026 The cake was garnering favorable reviews, and before long writers were clamoring for the recipe. Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026 The 20-year-old is currently around Spurs’ first-team squad, covering for long-term injury absentee Radu Dragusin, but will likely head out on loan before long. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before long

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of before long was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/before%20long. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

before long

adverb
: in the near future : soon

More from Merriam-Webster on before long

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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