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.
"As soon as we got to the land and put our things on the ground, they started to come, so we ran away" said a woman next to him.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
But there’s a twist: The water is likely to fall soon below the threshold for the Lower Basin states, measured at a bend in the river called Lee’s Ferry in Arizona.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
“I’ll be recruiting,” he interjected with a smile, as Skubal declined to comment on free agency, saying it was too soon to try to predict what the future would hold for him.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
The press secretary recalled the perception in 2016 was that China would soon overtake the United States.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
But as soon as he realized what they were looking at, his relief turned to horror.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
