before long

adverb

Synonyms of before longnext
: in the near future : soon

Synonyms of before long

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Examples of before long in a Sentence

the painters ought to be done before long
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the time when those decisions go from future to current business, including with Moss, will start creeping up here before long. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2026 Benton suggested that there’s a chance AI systems could come to exist as a sort of separate species before long. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026 The visits became more frequent, and before long, they were romantically and creatively conjoined. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 Luckett, 45, and Roberson, 44, were eventually replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, and before long, Franklin, 45, also exited the group. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before long

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of before long was in 1585

Rhymes for before long

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Browse Nearby Words

beforehand
before long
beforeness
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Cite this Entry

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/before%20long. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

before long

adverb
: in the near future : soon
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