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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
The deputy pursued Finley, reaching speeds up to 118 mph in a 45 mph zone, according to court documents. Finley then turned around at a gas station before continuing south on the highway, according to court documents. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025 Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 July 2025
Verb
The school board declared an emergency to speed up the repairs and chief financial officer Linda Zaborowski said the district received three competitive bids for general construction and mold remediation. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 The 13-year-old and 14-year-old, who Schur suspected were trying to break into his wife’s car, sped away in a separate car, police said. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • On Sunday, the velocity on his four-seam fastball was down 1 mph.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • Each role has been shaped by intense velocity, evolving technology, and relentless expectations.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Glen Grant’s whisky has been a favorite of specialty bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, and Duncan Taylor, among others.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In the other tournament that is taking place in the United States right now -- the Gold Cup -- sticking with the betting favorites has not paid off.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Their photos still hang on the dining room wall, along with those of sports stars, racing drivers and other celebrities who found their way to Ponder.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
  • But Kosinski elevates that journey by capturing racing in all of its gorgeous, peculiar glory—there’s never been a portrait of Formula One quite like it.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • OpenAI alone reports that its annual recurring revenue is expected to reach $12.5 billion in 2025, which is a remarkable growth rate for a 10-year-old startup.
    R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Forecasters in the study also revealed a lack of understanding of the rate of AI progress.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • If Tehran now hurries to make atomic bombs in secret — and if other countries in the region then build their own nukes for self-protection — the tactical triumph of Midnight Hammer will turn into a strategic disaster.
    Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Gladys told her mother to hurry up and prepare dinner before 6 p.m., when the whole family usually sat down together.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Portnoy recalls traveling with her husband to four different medical institutions after a year of misdiagnosis.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Drivers who only plan on traveling for short distances in extreme temperatures may not need to be concerned.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Before the doctor could see her, she was rushed to the emergency room.
    Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
  • Pablo the Newfoundland gets dried off after a bath, minutes before he's rushed to the vet.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • What steps to follow when driving in the rain? Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • When the outdoor cooling station opened on Friday, White drove by to find no chairs for people to sit and no signage letting people know the cooling station was there.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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