Synonyms of expedition

expedition

noun

ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən 

as in trip

a going from one place to another usually of some distance

an avid mountain climber, always on an expedition to some far-off corner of the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trip
• journey
• trek
• excursion
• errand
• voyage
• flight
• tour
• travel(s)
• cruise
• ride
• peregrination
• passage
• outing
• jaunt
• sail
• odyssey
• sortie
• junket
• commute
• pilgrimage
• quest
• commutation
• safari
• hike
• progress
• hop
• drive
• sally
• walk
• grand tour
• walkabout
• tramp
• spin
• slog

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun expedition contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expedition are dispatch, haste, hurry, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition

paid bills with dispatch

When might haste be a better fit than expedition?

While the synonyms haste and expedition are close in meaning, haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

When can hurry be used instead of expedition?

Although the words hurry and expedition have much in common, hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

When could speed be used to replace expedition?

In some situations, the words speed and expedition are roughly equivalent. However, speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expedition

An Inuit Quaker evangelist named Robert Sheldon led a five-man Native expedition going in the other direction, from Alaska to Chukotka, by snowmobile. —Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026

As polar enthusiasts consider the new array of Arctic sailings on offer, travelers should understand that while the two polar regions share some similarities, of course, an Arctic cruise is much different from an Antarctic expedition. —Jillian Dara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026

Wanaka Mountain Guides leads multi-day expeditions to the bucket-list summits of Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest peak at 12,217 feet) and Mount Aspiring (a respectable 9,950-feet). —Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

While no moon landing is in store for the Artemis 2 astronauts, the mission serves a vital role in testing the systems and hardware on the spacecraft needed for future expeditions to the lunar surface. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 Jan. 2026