soon

adverb

ˈsün How to pronounce soon (audio)
Definition of soonnext
1
as in shortly
at or within a short time we'll be done soon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in rather
by choice or preference I'd sooner have a cavity filled than suffer through that opera again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in quickly
with great speed as soon as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 soon The company is developing the more powerful rocket to support large commercial and national security satellite constellations, of which there soon may be a high demand. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Word of Vela Gonzalez‘s detention quickly spread and soon after, the video had landed in a group chat for residents of the area. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Prices will likely rise by the end of the today, if not sooner. — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026 George, who is second in line to the British throne, arrived in a jacket, shirt and tie and dark trousers but soon changed into the school’s uniform of a black tailcoat, waistcoat and pinstriped trousers, with a stiff white collar. — Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soon
  1. shortly
  2. rather
  3. quickly
  4. preferably
  5. rapidly
  6. willingly
  7. swiftly
  8. readily
Adverb
  • Yan finally reached the Major Leagues last month, shortly before his 30th birthday, after years of incredible effort.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • He was taken to the medical center as a precaution and Ferrari confirmed shortly before the race resumed that he had been released and was OK.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of shortly
Adverb
  • The hero, or antihero, of the story is Ichabod Crane, a rather ridiculous-looking schoolmaster who has set his cap for Katrina Van Tassel, the beautiful, coquettish daughter of a wealthy Dutch farmer.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Atoms under a chip The QGI is rather tiny and relies on microwave and magnetic pulses.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of rather
Adverb
  • Both players were able to end points quickly, and Sabalenka also showed off some impressive speed in tracking down drop shots.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Consumers across many Asian markets are willing to experiment with new flavors and restaurant concepts, creating opportunities for brands to generate awareness and trial quickly, Tan said.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of quickly
Adverb
  • For Jaissle, a defensive midfielder who had preferably played in the Premier League was essential.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Adults ages 65 and older should preferably receive a flu vaccine designed to produce a stronger immune response, such as a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine, when available.
    — Ava Tsapatsaris, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of preferably
Adverb
  • Artificial intelligence has catapulted the chief information security officer out of the server room and into the boardroom, forcing leaders to address a rapidly changing threat landscape while navigating shifting budgets and business needs.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
  • However, around 2022, Flock rapidly emerged as a dominant player in the local market, advertising systems as smaller, single purchases that could connect into a nationwide network of other cameras — similar to the business model of Ring cameras.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of rapidly
Adverb
  • But the very act of putting on a wearable—of willingly adorning oneself with a tiny computerized narc—is an act of surrender.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If Gluck has willingly conceded to the anti-erotic proclivities of his intended audience, Araki has, naturally, set out to defy them.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • The Justice Department last spring subpoenaed witnesses before a Washington grand jury as part of an investigation into Brennan but swiftly withdrew the subpoenas in favor of voluntary interviews.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Once the race restarted, Gasly tumbled down the order while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen rose to fight Russell for first, with the pair swiftly joined by Antonelli.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of swiftly
Adverb
  • But in many ways, those are the least important elements to commit to memory because the information is so readily available from other sources.
    — Jennifer Talarico, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Some of the nation’s biggest news purveyors are scrambling to find ways to appeal to younger audiences who gravitate more readily to digital outlets that may only have months or a few years of traction.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of readily

Phrases Containing soon

Browse Nearby Words

sons of man
soon
sooner or later
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soon. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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