before long

adverb

Definition of before longnext
as in shortly
at or within a short time the painters ought to be done before long

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Luckett, 45, and Roberson, 44, were eventually replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, and before long, Franklin, 45, also exited the group. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 But before long, it will be measured by whether AI helps the organization make smarter decisions and consistently produce better outcomes. — Ganesh Shankar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 However, Bell could be back before long, whether on the practice squad or the active roster, after playing 14 games for Seattle last season. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The average price of a new car could, before long, jump to $60,000 and beyond. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before long
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before long
  1. shortly
  2. soon
Adverb
  • Against the Chiefs, Nix said Waddle was asking for the ball shortly before scoring a touchdown near the goal line.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as the Dutch economy faced severe strain, his economics teacher told the class that banks would never fail, only for a major bank to collapse shortly thereafter.
    — , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of shortly
Adverb
  • The plant went offline soon after being captured by Russia early in the war, but needs power to keep essential cooling systems running.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The city will soon be holding advisory meetings to develop the list of events and festivals that will occur in the next 12 months.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of soon

Browse Nearby Words

beforehand
before long
befoul
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before%20long. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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