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 What if that got replaced by a chauffeur, caviar, spa treatments and a more expeditious TSA service? — Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 The campaign officially launched in early May, but saw expeditious traction in early June. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 And with the proliferation of small presses and the ascendance of self publishing as viable, if less expeditious or prestigious strategies for writers, even the indifference of mainstream publishers is not always the final word. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • With the lesson learned from last year, TCU made sure to get off to a much quicker start as the Horned Frogs’ new roster shined against the Lions.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Next year, if Democrats claim the majority in both chambers, the GOP can’t expect quick dismissals.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Netanyahu’s unsubstantiated claims of election interference have drawn swift rebukes, as the opposition considers using its numbers to shape the Knesset before a new government is formed.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Dean met Merz in 2005, when she was given a swift tour of her home and studio, which have been preserved as a museum.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But a staff report by the Development Review Committee noted that the building is significantly larger in mass and scale than its immediate surroundings and suggested design tweaks to reduce the massing effect.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The move has already drawn immediate and intense concern from scientists and medical professionals, who are wary that the decision will result in confusion and harm to consumers.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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