Definition of expeditiousnext

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 The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • There’s also a mill — a 40,000-square foot workshop space — a cafe, plenty of parking and quick access to area freeways.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The hot mixing allowed for fast setting times and therefore quick production of concrete.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • The decision triggered swift backlash from Democratic lawmakers and created an existential—and potentially financial—crisis for the organization.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, the European Commission was swift in its defense of Spain—and the trade deal that was painstakingly finalized on June 25.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was no immediate word of damage in Qatar, while Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said all incoming fire from Iran had been intercepted.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • There was no immediate response to the Iranian accusations from the Pentagon.
    Courtney Kube, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expeditious

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster