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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • The ongoing outbreak has also recorded 2,500 cases almost three times quicker than that of 2014-2016.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Aniston was quick to give her longtime bestie her virtual flowers, re-sharing the post on her Instagram Stories.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • This swift evolution increasingly renders larger surface ships less relevant.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Responsible advertising with swift consequences for violators.
    J. Todd R. Lawrence, STAT, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The temporary waivers marked a central US concession for Iran to reopen the crucial waterway, reaping almost immediate financial benefit for Tehran.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • While Stenberg signed an entry-level contract with the Sharks this month and is expected to be on the team’s roster this fall, and Lin headed to the University of Denver, and there were some questions about Verhoeff’s immediate future.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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