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speed

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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 effect, platform engineering principles are all about streamlining and standardizing the development, deployment and management of applications to improve productivity, reduce operational overheads, shorten application cycle times and accelerate speed to market. Steve Millidge, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 These currents vary in speed and can swiftly become perilous for anyone venturing into the surf. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Verb
That all changed 60 years ago on July 14, 1965, when a small spacecraft sped by the planet at a distance of just 6,118 miles (9,846 kilometers). Rod Pyle, Space.com, 14 July 2025 In a LinkedIn post, Farley called for speeding up permitting processes, increasing spending on vocational training, leveraging robotics and augmented reality to help with these spaces and suggested an AmeriCorps-type program for these roles. Breana Noble, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • The case for Wood starts with his impressive average exit velocity (EV) of 93.6, the eighth-best number in MLB -- and the third-highest of anyone participating in the Derby, behind Cruz's league-leading 96.3 EV and Olson's 93.8 EV.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Second, redefine success metrics to go beyond feature velocity.
    Sandeep Jha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The bar just off the lobby serves light snacks and lunch favorites like burgers and sandwiches, along with cocktails, beer, and wine.
    Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • The Netflix movie features a lot of fan favorites, including Tamela Mann as Cora.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Ricciardo raced for Red Bull's junior F1 team, VCARB (now Racing Bulls), alongside Yuki Tsunoda last year.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • In the final kilometers, Gall rises from his saddle to race through corners, long legs on full display.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2026, growth remains depressed at 1.5 per cent, and the unemployment rate edges up to 4.6 per cent.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • According to Statista, the remote worker rate jumped from 13% in 2020 to 27% just two years later.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Archer’s first delivery, timed at 87.4mph, hurried the left-handed Jaiswal.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The scene from election night On June 24, the night of the most recent meeting, members hurried into the Picnic House to hear the results of the votes.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • It’s thought that Netanyahu may travel to New York in September, prior to the mayoral election, to speak at the U.N. General Assembly’s world leaders meeting.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 22 July 2025
  • Over the water, the crucial news traveled that entire night in the form of questions and answers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Many organizations rush to implement tech without considering the impact on employee workflows, morale or training needs.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Neighbors quickly rushed to action, grabbing hoses and axes to help extract the plane’s passengers.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Walt bought the five ton stump while driving through Pike’s Petrified Forest in Colorado two days before their wedding anniversary in 1956.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • One chair represents the relentless pressure to deliver through hitting growth targets, driving innovation, and meeting stakeholder expectations.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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