so long as

conjunction

1

: during and up to the end of the time that : while

so long as you are here, I'm fine

2

: provided that

you may go, so long as you return by dinnertime

Synonyms

• as
• when
• while
• whilst [chiefly British]

Examples of so long as in a Sentence

so long as you're staying with us, you may not smoke indoors

Recent Examples on the Web

Director Chad Stahelski mines humor from Caine’s reluctance and the over-the-top nature of the carnage, dragging out the violent sequences so long as to wear down resistance. —Brian Lowry, CNN, 23 Mar. 2023

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has transparently vowed to vote down his appointees so long as the White House disobeys his and his donors’ thirst for ever more drilling. —Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 17 Mar. 2023

Outside the presidency, a person can continue to serve in federal office so long as they keep getting reelected. —Houston Keene, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2023

Republican strategist Alex Conant suggested GOP candidates cannot count on these voters so long as Trump is involved in politics. —Hannah Fingerhut, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for so long as

• has
• jazz
• topaz
• whereas

Kids Definition

so long as

conjunction

1

: during and up to the end of the time that : while

so long as you are here, I feel safe

2

: provided that

you may go, so long as you behave yourself