speedy

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

Synonyms

• 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

They wished her a speedy recovery.

a speedy worker but not a very careful one, unfortunately

Recent Examples on the Web

Passengers expecting speedy layovers and smooth transitions in some major cities have been jolted by unexpected delays or cancellations. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025

Think brands like Voluspa, Malin & Goetz, Nest, Boy Smells, and more, all available with free and speedy shipping (for the low, low cost of a Prime membership of course). —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025

The Phillies eventually got runners on the corners with two outs, with the speedy Trea Turner—who had the highest batting average in the National League, at the plate. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Carter Verhaeghe The speedy winger has scored at least 20 goals and put up at least 50 points each of the past four seasons and has been unbelievable in clutch situations in the playoffs (13 game-winning goals in 84 playoff games with the Panthers). —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

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