Definitions

soonest

ADVERB

in the near future

Synonyms

STRONGEST

directly early instantly promptly quickly rapidly shortly speedily

STRONG

presently

WEAK

anon any minute now before long betimes by and by coming down the pike ere long expeditiously fast fleetly forthwith hastily in a little while in a minute in a second in a short time in due time in short order in time lickety-split on time posthaste pronto quick short

Antonyms

STRONGEST

late later

WEAK

distant far never

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.

The new rules will stop learners booking the soonest test available anywhere, then making a series of swaps to get a slot closer to home.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

It was the soonest date possible, based on committee rules, people close to the committee said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

The WTI market is still trading the May contract as the soonest delivery month, while the Brent market has already rolled over to June.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Even if they rushed to apply now, the soonest they could receive asylum would be in October and by then it'd be too late, she said.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

Three weeks, Mr. Ages had said, would be the soonest Timothy could get out of bed, the soonest he could live through a chill night without getting pneumonia again.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien