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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expedition Small-ship expedition cruises accounted for around two-thirds of all sailings, and the United States stood out with nearly triple the number of passengers as the next most popular country of origin. Katherine Alex Beaven, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025 To make matters even worse, Bennett and her crew encounter the Delgados, a civilian family on a boating expedition near the island. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025 This gelatinous creature, known for its massive eyes and long arms, was found during an expedition by the CSIRO. Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 McKellar was believed to have gone on a solo boating expedition in Lake Macquarie and was last seen at a residence at about 8.30 a.m., according to 2023 reporting from 9 News. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedition
Noun
  • During his trip to the U.K. Shane also sat in with one of his dad’s favorite bands, Supergrass, at the Great Estate Festival in Cornwall over the weekend.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 June 2025
  • Zelenskyy said during a trip to Lithuania Monday that a new release of prisoners of war was being prepared after the Istanbul meeting.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Steele underwent Tommy John surgery as a minor-league prospect in 2017, which became part of his long journey to Chicago and the gradual development that turned him into a National League Cy Young Award contender.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • After taking an emotional journey with Joel and Ellie, fans had grown attached to the duo.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Ahead of his presidential pardon, NBA YoungBoy announced his first headlining trek.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025
  • The seemingly impossible trek took a remarkable 28 hours to complete.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Each of the six itineraries is an experiential deep dive of immersive cultural moments, unforgettable active excursions, the most stunning sights and indulgent cuisine.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Noise-reducing Earplugs Sometimes a European city break means sticking to a small budget and finding ways to stretch your budget to see as many cities or enjoy as many excursions as possible.
    Gregory Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedition. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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