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

"Because if you are indifferent, before you know it, another Auschwitz will come out of the blue for you or your descendants," he warned.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2025

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

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2024

You'll be able to master the piece de resistance of the Thanksgiving tablescape before you know it.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

And before you know it, you’re spilling everything to him.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

before you know it

Example Sentences

Related Words