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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
All plans have data limits and slower speeds compared to other types. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 That display provides basic info like the time, radio, weather, and speed while managing to remain both inconspicuous and beautiful. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
That speeds up work and means that the old rules requiring product managers to schedule biweekly or bimonthly check-ins with engineers didn’t make much sense. John Kell, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 Off the coast between Somalia and Yemen, the ship was attacked by pirates, and passengers were told to wait on Deck 5 as the captain sped up the ship. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • The velocity and pace were incredible.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Depth and velocity of the water are not always obvious; the ground or road may suddenly wash away and hidden dangers may exist; do not attempt to evacuate through floodwaters.
    Staff reports, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An eye-catching deadline day move for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis was not enough to change Burnley’s appraisal as favorites to go straight back down.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Also featured on Starbucks' fall menu are returning favorites such as the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Several drugmakers, including Novo Nordisk's chief rival Eli Lilly, have been racing to develop obesity pills, which may help alleviate the supply shortfalls and issues accessing the injections on the market.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The 40-year-old Froome, who races for Israel–Premier Tech, was airlifted to hospital following a crash during training on August 27, undergoing surgery a day later.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The quality rating and improvement system rates early childhood programs from two to four stars, with four stars as the highest rating.
    Lina Ruiz September 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Chargers ranked 20th on the Cook Index with a 49 percent pass rate from Weeks 1-10 last season.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bitcoin will probably indeed come to save us from fiat money, and thereby restore normal portfolio preferences across the board, including in real estate.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Even while rejecting many of the Administration’s demands, Harvard has in recent months made moves that share something of the flavor of the Administration’s preferences, beyond addressing antisemitism.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • One of Marron’s sisters hurried in to see what had happened.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But fans may want to hurry to buy the dish since the company has not revealed how long the limited-run promotion will last.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reporter Duaa Eldeib interviewed Sutton-Schulman and L multiple times and traveled to North Carolina for additional reporting.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Who isn't searching for Japan travel?
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Panthers were always going to favor Jones and DJ Wonnum in a pass-rushing rotation.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Paramedics rushed him to the hospital.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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