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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • Descano’s team has claimed prosecutions are pointless when the government’s own experts corroborate the insanity defense, while critics say his office is too quick to accept defendants’ narratives without a jury.
    Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Dog grooming tips like these show that grooming your dog at home can go well beyond a quick wipe-down.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • These platforms churn out so much content that cancellations come at a higher rate as well, though the streamers don’t have to be nearly as swift in the decision making process, which puts many shows in limbo indefinitely.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The rebel group’s swift advance in Yemen and attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia in recent weeks have put the kingdom in an increasingly difficult position, facing the prospect of being drawn into a wider conflict as the US-Iran war drags on.
    Eyad Kourdi, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • His bold, unique style was an immediate hit with ad agencies, publications, the corporate world and in pop culture.
    BETH J. HARPAZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Pressuring currencies One of the most immediate channels through which a tighter Fed policy travels around the world is the dollar.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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