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 March, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California completed tests on rotor designs that could be used to fly those drones, spinning the experimental helicopter blades fast enough for their tips to exceed Mach 1 (the speed of sound). Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 May 2026 The speed-lacing system, which offers a quick and comfortable glove-like fit in a hurry. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 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
  • After starting his podcast with Soffer in 2022, the two have spent most Mondays and Thursdays since chatting about everything from pop culture to life advice and even conducting celebrity interviews with fan favorites like Hilary Duff, Snooki and Frankie Muniz.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
  • The dining scene ranges from longtime favorites like The Shed to newer spots such as Leo’s, while luxury hotels offer sweeping views of the desert and nearby Rocky Mountains.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Both companies are racing for the public market, with SpaceX expected to disclose its prospectus as soon as this week, ahead of what could be a record offering next month.
    Ashley Capoot,Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • The company is racing to have Starship ready for next year’s revamped Artemis III mission, which calls for Starship’s upper stage to rendezvous with NASA’s Orion capsule — the same vehicle that carried the Artemis II astronauts around the moon last month — while orbiting Earth.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 17 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
  • Set over the course of eight years (including the lockdown period during COVID), Herry’s film unfolds fluidly, neither hurrying scenes up unnecessarily, nor lingering too long on any incident.
    Tomris Laffly, Variety, 17 May 2026
  • But hurry — popular sizes are selling out fast.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 16 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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