soon

American  

[soon] / sun /

adverb

sooner, soonest

1. within a short period after this or that time, event, etc..

   We shall know soon after he calls.

2. before long; in the near future; at an early date.

   Let's leave soon.

3. promptly or quickly.

   He came as soon as he could.

4. readily or willingly.

   I would as soon walk as ride.

5. early in a period of time; before the time specified is much advanced.

   soon at night; soon in the evening.

6. Obsolete. immediately; at once; forthwith.

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soon British  

/ suːn /

adverb

1. in or after a short time; in a little while; before long

   the doctor will soon be here

2. at the very moment that

   she burst into tears as soon as she saw him

3. used to indicate that the second alternative mentioned is not preferable to the first

   I'd just as soon go by train as drive

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soon Idioms  

1. see as soon as; fool and his money are soon parted; had rather (sooner); just as soon; no sooner said than done; speak too soon.

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Etymology

Origin of soon

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English sōna; cognate with Old High German sān, Gothic suns

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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

See Examples For:

soon

His family always try to avoid the urge to decorate too soon, so in the first week of December they head down to a local farm that grows Christmas trees.

From BBC ● Nov. 14, 2026

Duffy soon resumed, but brittle feedback hit the room seconds later and his demeanor shifted, presumably all-too-aware that the symbolism of an on-camera tech meltdown after such a major flight disruption was not going unnoticed.

From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2026

Tan and fit in a black T-shirt and gray suit, he told the audience that their prospective residents will soon be the individualistic and high-maintenance baby boomers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2026

An enormous icy world discovered beyond Pluto could soon become the sixth officially recognized dwarf planet in our solar system.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 14, 2026

Joey may be small, but her fighting spirit is mighty, and that becomes clear soon after she arrives in Carville.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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Related Words

• directly
• early
• instantly
• promptly
• quickly
• rapidly
• shortly
• speedily

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