hurry 1 of 2

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
Officers obtained survelliance video, which charges say showed a woman matching the suspect's appearance leaving the apartment in a hurry shortly after the shooting. Wcco Staff, CBS News, 17 May 2026 While Marner avoided an abysmal 2025-26 season, the Leafs are expected to use the first-overall pick in the upcoming draft on Penn State star Gavin McKenna, the kind of player who should be able to help right the ship in a hurry. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
Americans have a long history of being hurried into war on false pretexts. Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 His father was a schoolteacher and a member of the Nazi Party; Baselitz, who was seven at the cessation of World War II, would later recall the smoke rising from firebombed Dresden as his mother hurried her children through the city in a futile attempt to escape the Russians. News Desk, Artforum, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurry
Noun
  • The new aspirational image isn’t endless hustle, chaos or overperformance.
    Aisha Alves, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
  • The psychic cost of a labor market that demands constant hustle while delivering, for many, almost nothing in return.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • No, our purpose is to supplement, extend and update, so our politics may match the scale and speed of contemporary information and commerce, migration and ecology.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Mitchell has a mix of speed and power.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The incident wasn’t the first time Nixon caused a commotion on the House floor over redistricting.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • The employees will either be able to reach out to the culprit to quiet things down, or could transfer you to another room if the commotion doesn’t quit.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Mary was a vacuum—conceived as little more than an American everywoman—and Lasser rushed to fill that void with her own experience.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • In the second game, Fields had a rushing touchdown and defensive end Donte Campbell had a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • As the sky begins to open, New Yorkers scurry for cover — but 6LACK, 33, seems to be in his element.
    Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2026
  • In order to keep the lightweight watercraft from heeling over completely, crew members frantically scurry back and forth onto planks that are suspended out above the water on each side, rising and falling like seasick seesaws.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Many of the gravestones in this makeshift cemetery have no full names, only the fighter's nom de guerre, because they were buried in the haste of war.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 17 May 2026
  • Now entering a new phase of growth, the business is expanding with intention, not haste.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Pitching for the third time in four days, Shelton was interested to see how Morris’ velocity looked.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • Detmers said no mechanical adjustments were needed to get back on track with scoreless innings in the fourth and fifth, with Suzuki noting there might have been a slight dip in velocity that was short-lived.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Frozen fresh peppers are excellent for stir frys, soups, stews, sauces, and more.
    Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
  • Seemingly sporting strange rooftop structures, these vehicles are causing something of a stir in the news cycle.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hurry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurry. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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