Definition of expeditionnext

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 In May, four South Florida defendants were convicted of conspiring to kidnap or kill a person outside the United States, and leading a military expedition against a friendly nation. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Two years later Norwegian polar explorer and zoologist Fritjof Nansen wore Burberry gabardine on his expedition to cross the Arctic Ocean, and the fabric became popular among other polar explorers and aviators who wore it on their missions. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026 The inside scoop For the culinarily adventurous, Suiran has launched a one-day fermentation expedition as part of the Luxury Collection’s itinerary that takes guests from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Nara. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026 In the 1770s, Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition of settlers into what would later become California, bringing donkeys and horses with him. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedition
Noun
  • The current itinerary for the trip is ambitious and the longest of his papacy to date, calling for Leo to clock just over 19,000 miles on a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, and a significant altitude change in Peru.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s announcement during his second trip to Ohio in two weeks was prompted by an August presidential memorandum directing administration officials to identify a suitable location for the component repair center within 90 days.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Making short-haul rail more competitive Parallel argues that its system could open routes that are currently difficult for conventional rail services to serve economically, particularly journeys under 500 miles.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores the personal journey of the author in managing OCD, with many participants expressing admiration for the author's self-awareness and bravery in seeking help.
    — Eva Jaber, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Between 50 and 60 visitors will make the trek out there on a typical day, according to David Boyd, public information officer for the White River National Forest.
    — The Aspen Times, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The After Hours Til Dawn trek supports The Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours, 2022’s Dawn FM and 2025’s Hurry Up Tomorrow, all of which claimed the first or second slots on the Billboard 200 upon their release.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There is an option, as noted on the map, to also hike to Josephine Peak during the same excursion.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The breathable, flowy fit is comfy and perfect for sightseeing days, shopping excursions, and even a nice dinner out, and the $27 price tag will hardly make a dent in your travel budget.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedition. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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