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Definition of hurrynext
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hurry

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hurry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hurry are dispatch, expedition, haste, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

How do expedition and dispatch relate to one another, in the sense of hurry?

Expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition
paid bills with dispatch

When can haste be used instead of hurry?

The words haste and hurry can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

Where would speed be a reasonable alternative to hurry?

Although the words speed and hurry have much in common, speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

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 hurry
Noun
One shot, one moment can change everything in a hurry. ABC News, 26 May 2026 The energy at Oracle Park turned back in the Giants’ favor in a hurry. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 May 2026
Verb
Set over the course of eight years (including the lockdown period during COVID), Herry’s film unfolds fluidly, neither hurrying scenes up unnecessarily, nor lingering too long on any incident. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 17 May 2026 Her friend hurried over, not to look up, but to look down — both of them staring at a glowing screen while, just beyond them, Crux was visible in the night sky. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurry
Noun
  • Shen’s hustle set an early tone.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • The legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca is steeped in mythology and offers quaint towns and stunning beaches without the hustle of Mykonos.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • In reality, many ballistic missiles already reach hypersonic speeds at certain points in their flight.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
  • Carriers often became obsessed with speed and efficiency.
    Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Winnetka’s Village Council put an end to the latest commotion over its lakefront by opposing a project that would build chain-link fencing for dogs on Centennial Beach.
    Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
  • Those seated in the gunner or engineer positions will also be treated to additional clips of Grogu via their adjacent flight panels, the young alien here portrayed as something of a playful pet of a child who is exaggeratedly chill during the commotion.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • The end of California's chaotic governor's primary race was approaching Saturday as leading candidates rushed to deliver their closing arguments before voting ends Tuesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026
  • Be patient and allow your child to feel those uncomfortable feelings, instead of rushing them through it.
    Reem Raouda, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The only chilly part will be scurrying a few feet from the trailer door into the bathroom and back.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 June 2026
  • Simply place the bait traps in areas where roaches typically scurry—along baseboards or in corners—and wait.
    Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Their protagonists tend to be runaways—men who join whaling expeditions in their haste to dodge the malaise that sets in on shore, boys who board rafts floating down the Mississippi to evade their guardians and their chores.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Now, each one of them will look to make haste in their respective chase for a state championship.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • His career with the Giants had been a mixed bag due in part to a shoulder ailment that hampered his rookie season, but there was clear upside if Harrison could regain his velocity.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
  • On the opposite side, the spin works against airflow, causing a decrease in air velocity.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Even at the neighboring sports bar, the Douglas, her food has caused a stir, enticing people between innings to visit Leo Market.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Agnes and Sherman Open for just a little over a year on buzzy 19th street in the Heights, Agnes and Sherman has quickly caused a stir on the Houston food scene.
    Melissa Liebling-goldberg, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hurry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurry. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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