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 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 The nominee will face an intense confirmation process, which lawmakers told CNN will not be expeditious in the wake of Trump’s actions and rhetoric. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025 Today, the logic of construction begins with the clean slate, and the most expeditious way to convert vacant places of worship into living spaces is to clear away the old and start from scratch. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • While the recent renovation shines throughout the property, the pool is on the smaller side—perfect for a quick refresh, though guests seeking a more expansive swim in San Antonio’s summer heat may want to plan around it.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Visit Watsons Organic Market & Cafe on Main Street for quick meals on the go.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Evan Wanner walked off the Class AA state championship in double overtime with a swift wrister past Jerdee, returning Moorhead to the summit of Minnesota high school hockey.
    Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
  • An anonymous tip in August 2025 triggered a swift investigation, leading to Mays’ arrest and a sting operation the next month.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And for now, the potential economic effects of war in the Middle East are a more immediate concern than longer-term effects from AI.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives!
    Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expeditious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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