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

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

Cops arrived to break up the crowd but soon realized they were outnumbered.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: We look at how soon you can refinance a car loan to lower your monthly payments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

With commercial space flights becoming more possible and more space missions in the works, Mackaill thinks her research will become vital very soon.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

That could certainly happen again this time around, but the key thing to remember is that Nvidia’s multiple is unlikely to reach the lofty heights of 50 times any time soon.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Very soon the snow was not so much fun anymore.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

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