EXPEDITIOUS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'expeditious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expeditious are fast , fleet , hasty , quick , rapid , speedy , and swift . While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment. // the expeditious handling of an order

Q: How are the words 'fast' and 'rapid' related as synonyms of 'expeditious'?

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

Q: When is 'fleet' a more appropriate choice than 'expeditious'?

In some situations, the words fleet and expeditious are roughly equivalent. However, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness. // fleet runners

Q: In what contexts can 'hasty' take the place of 'expeditious'?

While the synonyms hasty and expeditious are close in meaning, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness. // a hasty inspection

Q: When is it sensible to use 'quick' instead of 'expeditious'?

The synonyms quick and expeditious are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time. // a quick wit

Q: When can 'rapid' be used instead of 'expeditious'?

The words rapid and expeditious can be used in similar contexts, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves. // rapid current

Q: Where would 'speedy' be a reasonable alternative to 'expeditious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to expeditious , speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity. // speedy delivery of mail

Q: When might 'swift' be a better fit than 'expeditious'?

Although the words swift and expeditious have much in common, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement. // returned the ball with one swift stroke

expeditious

adjective

ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shəs

Definition of expeditious next

as in quick

having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation a company that is well-regarded for its expeditious handling of any request or complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective expeditious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expeditious are fast, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related as synonyms of expeditious?

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

fast horses

When is fleet a more appropriate choice than expeditious?

In some situations, the words fleet and expeditious are roughly equivalent. However, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of expeditious?

While the synonyms hasty and expeditious are close in meaning, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When is it sensible to use quick instead of expeditious?

The synonyms quick and expeditious are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of expeditious?

The words rapid and expeditious can be used in similar contexts, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

Where would speedy be a reasonable alternative to expeditious?

While in some cases nearly identical to expeditious, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When might swift be a better fit than expeditious?

Although the words swift and expeditious have much in common, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

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 expeditious They were also boosted by the expeditious return of the ever-durable Anže Kopitar (foot) for the past three matches and Doughty’s goal in San Jose, which tied him with Rob Blake for most career goals by a Kings blue-liner. —

Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 29 Oct. 2025 This week, a number of the continent’s trade emissaries and heads of state have pushed for an expeditious extension of the program’s benefits—namely, duty-free access to the United States market for more than 1,800 products from 32 countries. —

Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 For Wallace, the results were expeditious. —

Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025 Innocent passage refers to the right to transit through the territorial sea of another state in a continuous and expeditious manner that must not be prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of that state, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. —

Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expeditious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious

Adjective

The Moon’s square to Mars can bring quick irritation or pressure to act too fast, especially in conversations.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
The 35-year-old striker has not normally started two games in quick succession this season.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026