soon
Americanadverb
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within a short period after this or that time, event, etc..
We shall know soon after he calls.
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before long; in the near future; at an early date.
Let's leave soon.
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promptly or quickly.
He came as soon as he could.
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readily or willingly.
I would as soon walk as ride.
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early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced.
soon at night; soon in the evening.
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Obsolete. immediately; at once; forthwith.
adverb
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in or after a short time; in a little while; before long
the doctor will soon be here
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at the very moment that
she burst into tears as soon as she saw him
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used to indicate that the second alternative mentioned is not preferable to the first
I'd just as soon go by train as drive
Etymology
Origin of soon
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English sōna; cognate with Old High German sān, Gothic suns
Explanation
When someone says they'll be arriving soon, it means you won't have to wait much longer for them to show up because they will be there in the near future. The word soon is often used when there’s anticipation for something that’s about to happen. For example, “Dinner will be ready soon,” means it’ll be ready shortly. Soon can also add a sense of urgency to a request, as in “Please respond soon,” suggesting the need for a quick reply. In both cases, the word soon means that there shouldn't be a long wait.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Things probably won’t improve anytime soon, either: MLB.com ranks the Angels’ farm system at No. 28 out of 30.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
She has to stretch each of her dollars to make ends meet; soon she’ll be shelling out $30,000 a year for her daughter to go to college.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
The Portuguese began with a draw at Everton, but three consecutive losses to Arsenal, Brentford and Leeds soon after laid bare the scale of the task at hand.
From BBC • May 17, 2026
"We've got quite a supportive local community around here and, as soon as the word gets out, people are helpful."
From BBC • May 16, 2026
The children, still arguing, were unaware what horror would soon befall them.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
