Definition of hastynext
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 letter described the March 9 vote as hasty, given that the vote to reject the city’s offer was driven by three unions representing a majority of those present at the meeting. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026 Apparently, in the hasty move to LACMA, someone had forgotten to bring a dimmer. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026 Revisiting a hasty property tax reform House Bill 389 emerged in the waning days of the 2021 legislative session, already the longest in Idaho history. Mark Dee march 6, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026 Near Kandahar the news of an impending assault by Humayun’s disloyal brother Askari forced a hasty departure from their encampment, leaving Akbar in the care of his foster mothers. Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hasty
Adjective
  • 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
  • Pre-existing structures, supported by documentation and commercial logic, carry far more weight than hurried adjustments made after funds are already exposed.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But those expectations have since been upended as the Iran conflict has sent shockwaves through the global economy that are unlikely to unravel anytime soon, even if the war is brought to a rapid resolution.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • May 21 – June 20 Steady, thoughtful sentences are your friend — skip the rushed word vomit!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Choose sustainable solutions, not quick, leaky patches.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Lunch is often an informal affair—poke bowls from Da Poke Bowl Shack, tacos from El Jefe, or something quick from Knosh or Takeaway 242 between pool and beach.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Symptoms include short-term memory loss, anxiety, and impulsive behaviour.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Soon after, Mercury will collide with Mars, increasing the likelihood of heated debates and impulsive reactions.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While the latest fusillade of ambiguity couldn’t have come at a worse time for the advertising market—brands have yet to register their budgets for the 2026-27 upfront bazaar, in which they’re expected to commit to some $17 billion in broadcast and cable inventory—early sports sales remain brisk.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Expect plenty of sunshine and a brisk northwest wind with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph along Marin and Sonoma ridgelines during the afternoon.
    Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While your brave nature prefers fast outcomes, letting ideas mature in private should put you in a position to act with more confidence in a positive outcome.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Nicole Sganga For the new secretary, the test will be whether the symbolic gestures and promises made in rooms like this translate into faster help before hurricane season begins.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But his actions were more likely based on the years of training and experience that make a good enforcement officer cautious rather than rash.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
  • However, before any other officers could arrive on the scene, Pete made the rash decision to cover up Kay’s involvement by shooting the serial killer’s body a couple more times.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hasty. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on hasty

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