speedy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈspē-dē 

speedier; speediest

: marked by swiftness of motion or action

also : prompt sense 2

speedily

ˈspē-də-lē 

adverb

speediness

ˈspē-dē-nəs 

noun

speediness

2 of 2

noun

speed·​i·​ness ˈspēdēnə̇s 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being speedy

Synonyms of speedy

Adjective

• rapid
• quick
• fast
• brisk
• swift
• galloping

Choose the Right Synonym for speedy

fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity.

fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves

fast horses

and rapid to the movement itself.

rapid current

swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment

speedy delivery of mail

and may also suggest unusual velocity.

hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

Examples of speedy in a Sentence

Adjective

They wished her a speedy recovery.

a speedy worker but not a very careful one, unfortunately

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Oswego avoided sending the ball near the speedy Konkey on kickoffs to prevent a repeat of last week’s scoring on a return. — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

The Rams never found a way to consistently deploy speedy receiver Tutu Atwell. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

So while some fans celebrate the speedy returns of beloved characters, this fall will also see streamers continuing to test the theory that absence makes the heart grow fonder. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

So what might make it to Earth during Swift's speedy fall through the atmosphere? — Leonard David, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English spedi "beneficial, unencumbered, agile, prompt," from sped "luck, success, assistance, rate of progress" + -i -y entry 1 — more at speed entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing speedy

• speedy recovery

Rhymes for speedy

• beady
• greedy
• guidi
• needy
• reedy
• seedy
• tweedy
• weedy
• unready

Kids Definition

speedy

adjective

ˈspēd-ē 

speedier; speediest

: moving or taking place fast

speedily

ˈspēd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

speediness

ˈspēd-ē-nəs 

noun