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
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
The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.
—
Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
It is soon expected to transform into what is known as a gang suppression force in upcoming months.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
James’ longevity and productivity at the twilight of his career is so unmatched that even the idea that the James era could end soon barely even registers for some competitors.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Flights could soon become noticeably more expensive, with a sharp spike in oil prices linked to the conflict in Iran driving aviation fuel costs dramatically higher, causing some airlines to increase ticket prices.
—Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soon
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Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
It is soon expected to transform into what is known as a gang suppression force in upcoming months.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
James’ longevity and productivity at the twilight of his career is so unmatched that even the idea that the James era could end soon barely even registers for some competitors.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Flights could soon become noticeably more expensive, with a sharp spike in oil prices linked to the conflict in Iran driving aviation fuel costs dramatically higher, causing some airlines to increase ticket prices.
—Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soon
Cite this Entry
“Soon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soon. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
soon
adverb
ˈsün 
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
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