1
2

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 hasty The investment firm made a hasty exit from the Nashville office market by quickly offloading the three properties, but hasn't publicly shared the reasoning behind the sales. Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 But setting that film's performance in a broader context shows that this is one win that the comics giant might not want to get too hasty about celebrating. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, Jean Paul Bradshaw, an attorney for White, cautioned against a hasty election that could spark further legal challenges. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2025 All hands beat a hasty re treat to the cabin and barricaded themselves behind the companionway door. Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hasty
Adjective
  • Scenes of hurried passengers chugging water or tossing full bottles into trash bins have become routine — and agents are required to confiscate anything that doesn’t comply, often to the frustration of everyday travelers.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025
  • While authors have long relied on brief bookstore appearances and hurried festival signings to connect with their audience, reading retreats offer extended, intimate access to their most devoted fans in settings designed for thoughtful literary discussion.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • Staying hydrated is crucial in hot weather, and adding a bit of salt to water can help prevent rapid fluid loss.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • As the Ukraine war progresses, the U.S. government is understanding the power of rapid prototyping and experimental focus to improve and innovate on physical AI capabilities.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, one quick two-handed push off by No. 5 sent Morris earthbound as the coach quickly became London’s next victim.
    Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Isak himself stressed his happiness in the spring and featured in club kit promotions, hardly the actions of someone desperate for a quick exit.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For example: • Excitement can spark innovation or lead to impulsive decisions.
    Marc Brackett, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • That impulsive rescue set off a chain reaction that would change everything.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The new nine-speed transmission offers brisk, usually seamless shifts; though at times the acceleration can feel a bit segmented.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Analysts expect brisk growth in the next two years.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Polar bears rely on fast ice as a platform for hunting seals.
    Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Lawmakers responded with reforms that included faster payroll tax increases, a gradual rise in the retirement age, and taxation of some Social Security benefits.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dress Code: Modest swimwear is required, and swimsuits, rash guards and knee-length shorts are allowed.
    Evan Moore August 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Swimmers in polluted water may develop gastrointestinal illness, respiratory disease, ear and eye infection, and skin rash, the report states.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, researchers at the National Institutes of Health were critical in developing the mRNA vaccine technology that enabled the swift creation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives at the height of the pandemic.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Low water crossings on San Pedro Road and River Road will likely become impassible with dangerous swift flowing water.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hasty. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hasty

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!