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

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
Entrants had to meet some basic criteria, including either being fully autonomous (making their own decisions using AI and sensors) or remotely controlled (piloted by a human), with the competition putting an emphasis on the former over raw speed. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026 The speed problem Imas hasn’t abandoned his fears. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
Today, computer simulation and reams of telemetry data speed up designs and eliminate most of the guesswork. Thomas Black, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026 The Justice Department announced a series of actions on Friday aimed at restoring and expanding the use of the federal death penalty, including new execution methods and efforts to speed up capital cases. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • Eight velocity stacks sit just inches below the rider, pulling air with urgency.
    Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Sasaki turned in sharp results, and his velocity played up in his short stint as a reliever during last year’s playoff run.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Join MyRecipes—your personal home for recipes—to easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
  • As an adult, Harvest Snaps White Cheddar snap pea snacks have become one of my favorites.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Thunder raced out to a 15-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The North Carolina human resources executive spent two months racking up credits through web tutorials after work in 2024, then raced through 11 online classes at the University of Maine at Presque Isle in four weeks.
    Todd Wallack, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Yet the shark lawyers just need a few early wins to punish the big box retailers for offering cut rate prices.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In conjunction with Central Lakes College and Brainerd Walleye Alliance president Adam Mord, Kempe ran a creel survey on three lakes in the Brainerd area to quantify walleye catch rates by anglers using forward-facing sonar.
    Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Their wingers are the primary source, given Woodman’s preference for formations with a lone striker.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Besides being more manageable logistically, this style calls back to Healy’s fine-dining roots — think of a chef curating an ever-changing tasting menu — and also just speaks to Healy’s own personal preference.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But hurry, the popular picks are selling fast.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a wealth of spa options here, none meant to be hurried.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The club travels to Portland on Wednesday night for a match against the second-place Thorns, the team that eliminated San Diego from last year’s playoffs.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, be aware that the next six years will bring urges to impulsively travel, and do exciting things to give yourself an adventurous world.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jamie Marshall, who worked as an assistant director on a number of Fuqua’s films, was struck by his ability to insure that actors never feel rushed, even when the producers start to sweat.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • While many couples have whirlwind romances, others have delayed their nuptials for a number of reasons, from not wanting to rush things to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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