Definitions

before you know it

ADVERB

presently

Synonyms

STRONGEST

immediately soon

STRONG

shortly

WEAK

anon before long by and by directly down the line down the pike down the road in a minute in a moment in a short time now nowadays pretty soon today without delay

Antonyms

STRONGEST

later never

WEAK

eventually

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.

You invest that $650, let it compound over time, and before you know it, you’re a multimillionaire retiring by 60.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

A whir of arms, a flick of his wrist, and the ball has hit you before you know it.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2025

"So before you know it, I've run out of the door."

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2024

Then, before you know it, I can have a conversation with you now.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2024

You’ll be out of here before you know it.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

before you know it

Example Sentences

Related Words