speed 1 of 2

Definition of speednext

speed

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun speed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of speed are dispatch, expedition, haste, and hurry. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

How are the words expedition and dispatch related as synonyms of speed?

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

Where would haste be a reasonable alternative to speed?

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

marry in haste

When might hurry be a better fit than speed?

The synonyms hurry and speed are sometimes interchangeable, but hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

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 speed
Noun
In the end, this Hasselblad retains the hallmark soul of its Swedish heritage while delivering a new level of speed and intelligence. Robb Rice, Robb Report, 10 May 2026 Thales report also highlighted that 27% of bot attacks now target APIs, where bots can bypass user interfaces and interact directly with backend systems at machine speed. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Verb
The department said as officers were still investigating the scene along Wiman Drive, a man driving an SUV sped by officers, at one point allegedly trying to hit them. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 16 May 2026 Pellizzari, in contrast, appeared to go over his limit by following Vingegaard, slowing massively in the final kilometres — while Gall, in contrast, only sped up. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • Summary The velocity of Tuesday’s intraday sell-off in semis was a reminder that this market is still highly crowded and more fragile than the closing tape suggested.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 13 May 2026
  • The weather system is aligned with the planet's equator, but scientists have been unable to explain its immense size, velocity and its noticeably sharp leading edge.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Employees throughout the organization submit ideas for buzzy entertainment properties that might draw newcomers to Fenway before Pollio’s team identifies their favorites.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
  • Big bank stocks, a favorite of Street bulls entering the year, have lagged the S & P 500 by 10 percentage points over the past three months.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • After racing across the state to collect signatures, that campaign, called People Not Politicians, last year turned in more than 300,000 signatures to force a statewide vote on the map in November.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
  • As the drivers raced into Turn 1, a handful of drivers were caught up in a spin.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Multiple independent measurements show that sea levels are rising along California’s coastline, though the rate varies by location due to local land movement.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • More Charlotte region growth stats Charlotte added more people (20,731) from 2024 to last year than the nine communities above it in growth rate did during the same span.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Instead, advertisers are increasingly using programmatic technology that uses algorithms to align commercials with audiences tied to a specific geographic region or consumer preference.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Move the desk, change the routine, state the preference.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • But hurry, these fashion-forward picks sell quickly.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 9 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
Verb
  • Sofa waves travel at the speed of sound.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Broderick was rushed from the California Institution for Women, the prison where she was being held, to a medical facility on April 18.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • Doctors performed four rounds of CPR, then rushed to figure out what was causing the mother to go into cardiac arrest.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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