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 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
  1. shortly
  2. soon
Adverb
  • Some states and gun rights groups, like Gun Owners of America, shortly thereafter sued the federal government.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators learned that Harris had posted an Instagram Story of the VSU campus shortly before the shooting.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortly
Adverb
  • His home could soon sit right next to one of the 200-foot-high-voltage transmission towers.
    — Joy Benedict, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But the upward trajectory will surely end soon, and as teams become more familiar with the various routines, the specialist coaches must start to earn their money in the defensive penalty area.
    — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on before long

Nglish: Translation of before long for Spanish Speakers

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