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Definition of hastinessnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective hasty contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hasty are expeditious, fast, fleet, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When is expeditious a more appropriate choice than hasty?

The words expeditious and hasty can be used in similar contexts, but 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 hasty?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When could fleet be used to replace hasty?

In some situations, the words fleet and hasty are roughly equivalent. However, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

When would quick be a good substitute for hasty?

Although the words quick and hasty have much in common, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of hasty?

The synonyms rapid and hasty are sometimes interchangeable, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When is it sensible to use speedy instead of hasty?

While in some cases nearly identical to hasty, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

Where would swift be a reasonable alternative to hasty?

While the synonyms swift and hasty are close in meaning, 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 hastiness
Noun
Besides, just as the cruelty is the point of everything this administration does so, too, is the hastiness. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
There is no rush to do anything hasty to align with Pastrnak’s superstar segment. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Western forces have largely beat a hasty retreat from Africa’s coup-prone Sahel region in recent years. Kaitlyn Rabe, The Conversation, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hastiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hastiness
Noun
  • The easy, unhurried pace of the ocean vanishes, and it’s replaced by the coordinated hustle of hundreds (or thousands) of passengers preparing to step back into reality.
    Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
  • When the second half began, France showcased some hustle from the jump, but Spain thwarted each attempt.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Utility deposits forgotten in the haste and hassle of an interstate move.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • But like Colletti before him, with Walter having purchased the majority stake in the Lakers, Pelinka is going to have to crash the hourglass and build a winner with haste.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Substitute Facundo Medina was in no rush to take a throw-in during extra time (as is his want), despite Yamal giving him some encouragement.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • As the record flips from the rushes of lust to crushing emotional collapse, the tone shifts.
    Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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