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 1914, British explorer Ernest Shackleton led an expedition to complete the first land crossing of Antarctica. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025 These sorts of expeditions are known as dispersion movements. Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025 Part of one of the most famous Antarctic expeditions in history, Endurance set sail from England to the White Continent in August 1914. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025 On the series, Watkins is played by actress Suzanna Son and depicted as a close confidant of Gein's and someone who joined him on grave-robbing expeditions. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedition
Noun
  • Taxpayers footed much of the bill for the trip that took him far from the five boroughs.
    New York Times, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recently expanded its fall collection to include even more travel-ready styles, such as puffer jackets, wrinkle-resistant pants, and flattering dresses that can be worn multiple times on your next trip.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The film begins with the title character having an epiphany and setting off on a journey to Italy with his manager (Sandler) and his long-suffering publicist (Laura Dern) in tow.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
  • With this week’s announcement of the team-up and investment from the New York Stock Exchange’s parent company, Coplan is riding high, while still reflecting on his journey upwards.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While stopping by Late Night with Seth Meyers on Wednesday to promote her record-breaking album The Life of a Showgirl, Swift recalled how Kelce met a slew of celebrities at the VIP tent during her trek’s stop in London last year.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
  • YoungBoy is deep into his MASA Tour, which started back in September and has gone viral multiple times for some of the high-energy stops throughout the trek.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the video topics range from recipe tutorials to Southern excursions, my fashion choices tend to get the most comments from viewers.
    Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Dana Point is known for its whale watching, and boat excursions offer a chance to spot dolphins, sea lions, and birds, as well as to enjoy the gorgeous coastal scenery.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedition. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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