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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 hasty That multivitamin may seem like armor against a hasty, nutrient-sparse breakfast. Matt Fuchs, Time, 24 Sep. 2025 Democrats have seized on the reversals as evidence that the cuts were hasty and wasteful. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Eight Unbearable Days Ray, Ben, Michael, Michelle’s brother, and Ben’s dad drove up I-70 to Vail, checking into a hotel just after dark as the first hasty teams from VMRG were heading up the mountain. Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025 In boardrooms across the globe, a familiar script is getting a hasty rewrite. Ajay Pundhir, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hasty
Adjective
  • By doing so, the Panthers tried a hurried, fire-drill field goal, which Ryan Fitzgerald then proceeded to miss, which meant the halftime score was 19-3, Buffalo, and soon to get much worse.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
  • There were multiple occasions in which A&M’s defensive front hit or hurried quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with just four rushers.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Since Berman took the helm in 2022, professional women’s soccer has seen rapid growth.
    Jessica Golden, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Our poor Toby, always so stressed, always so rushed.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • These alternatives can often provide a richer, less rushed experience than a whirlwind day trip to Paris.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Green was quick to point out that every team that has won a championship featured a strong defense.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Concerned that Barack Obama was running away with the race, John McCain made an impulsive gamble, boldly picking the largely unknown Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
    Time, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
  • His demeanor speaks to the archer's fiery nature and impulsive behavior, keeping their characteristics in sync.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s brisk activity shows no signs of slowing.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Trick-or-treaters can expect brisk but dry weather.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ride-hailing revenue grew 17% year-on-year to $317 million, deliveries grew 23% to $465 million, and financial services had the fastest growth at 39% to $90 million.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The breakthrough dramatically boosts the power of attosecond light used to probe the fastest electron motions in atoms and materials.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Retaliating by no longer subsidizing Amy’s 4-H activities and withholding birthday and Christmas gifts may have been rash and could drive a lasting wedge that won’t be easily repaired.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • There are bright blue and green swim shorts with hexagonal prints, silk resort shirts, a jacquard shorts and shirt set, rash guards and matching beach bags and towels.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hasty. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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