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⇱ SOON Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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soon

adverb

ˈsΓΌn πŸ‘ How to pronounce soon (audio)
especially New England ˈsuΜ‡n
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
πŸ‘ Image
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.

Synonyms of soon

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
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.
Gas prices squeeze household budgets Even if a deal to end the Iran war is reached soon, forecasters expect oil prices to remain high for months. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 He was invited to train with Chelsea’s senior group for the first time soon after that. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Simon Johnson, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Boise Centre may soon reach the Boise River. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Mark Dee april 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026 The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. β€”πŸ‘ Image
Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English soone, from Old English sōna; akin to Old High German sān immediately

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of soon was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing soon

Rhymes for soon

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

β€œSoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soon. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

soon

adverb
ˈsΓΌn πŸ‘ How to pronounce soon (audio)
especially New England ˈsuΜ‡n
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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