hastiness 1 of 2

Definition of hastinessnext

hasty

2 of 2

adjective

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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
Exploring the depths in style As for its speed, 10 knots may not sound very fast, but for submersibles, that is very hasty indeed. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026 That got a little harder when USC canceled a debate set for Tuesday night and hasty plans for a replacement debate fell apart. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hastiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hastiness
Noun
  • Sýkora, a 21-year-old ball of hustle generously listed at 5-foot-11, earned his first call-up later that month and now has three goals and an assist in eight games.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The spot even has a private entrance on Duke Street, allowing members to avoid the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street altogether, as well as a custom scent from the folks at British fragrance house Perfumer H.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Using chicken cutlets helps this dish cook up quickly on hurried nights.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Then in the final seconds of the period, Merrimack turned the puck over in their own zone but Jack Galanek could not stuff his hurried shot home.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Private credit's rapid rise has been key to global dealmaking for more than a decade.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Our survey of Americans ages 18-29 allows for a closer look at the sentiments of young adults at a moment of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical change.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Manson uncovers evidence of two clandestine killer-robot programs, one aerial and the other aquatic, which are being developed in haste.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Balancing these two extremes, fear that delays and haste that risks reinjury, is key, Webster said.
    Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As immigration officers arrested her six weeks ago, through tears and a rushed goodbye, Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez had a request for her daughter.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Little emphasized the need to ease property taxes in a letter accompanying his signature but criticized Moyle’s approach as rushed and overly complex.
    Mark Dee March 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon’s square to Mars can bring quick irritation or pressure to act too fast, especially in conversations.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The 35-year-old striker has not normally started two games in quick succession this season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Jets need immediate pass rush help, and Reese gives them versatility from his off-ball experience paired with his pass-rush ability at Ohio State.
    Nick Harris April 20, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2026
  • If staying put, Faulk would help get back some pass rush lost with Bradley Chubb’s departure.
    Kenny Rosarion, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ultimate goal is never an impulsive diagnosis.
    Lucy Jones April 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
  • For svn4vr, a devout Christian whose music grapples with the demands of faith, the impulsive workflow conveys a religious fervor.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hastiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hastiness. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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