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.
Asked at the G7 in France when the text would be released, Trump said: "It's a very powerful document, and I want it to be released. So probably pretty soon."
From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026
SpaceX insiders, however, can start selling their shares as soon as the second trading day after the company issues its second-quarter financial disclosure, expected around Aug. 11.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
However, the U.K.’s central bank is expected to signal that it stands ready to increase borrowing costs if the conflict in the Middle East is not resolved soon.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026
US President Donald Trump has said a preliminary deal to end the war with Iran has already been signed and suggested that details of the agreement are set to be published "pretty soon".
From BBC • Jun. 15, 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
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.
