before long

adverb

Definition of before longnext
as in shortly
at or within a short time the painters ought to be done before long

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of before long But before long, professors complained that incoming freshmen lacked even rudimentary math skills. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 June 2026 The car-sharing marketplace app lets drivers try out hybrids and EVs before long-term commitment. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 22 June 2026 What begins as an awkward confrontation soon turns into an unexpected romance, and before long, Milly invites Glenn to join the family on a Caribbean resort vacation. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 But before long, the singer/guitarist’s blunt attitude that’s splayed all over Lambrini Girls’ protest songs comes out to play. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for before long
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before long
  1. shortly
  2. soon
Adverb
  • Scharf's onboarding comes shortly before the midterm elections, and the possibility that Democrats win back one or both chambers of Congress.
    — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Totality in Portugal and Spain will happen shortly before sunset.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortly
Adverb
  • The annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic will kick off sooner than usual to accommodate booking conflicts with Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and officers may soon be equipped with gloves that deliver electrical shocks, which the manufacturer says are intended to de-escalate encounters with individuals.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of soon

Browse Nearby Words

beforehand
before long
befoul
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before%20long. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on before long

Nglish: Translation of before long for Spanish Speakers

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