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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
Also optimized in real-time based on traffic and weather, cutting fuel use and speeding up shipping. Oyku Ilgar, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 To clamp down on speeding drivers and red-light runners, Phoenix plans to reinstate traffic cameras in the city. Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 3 July 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
  • Still, for many of the players who were dominant during tennis’ defining era, today’s shrunken audiences are somewhat baffling, given the athleticism on display and the dizzying velocity of the aggro-baseliner game.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 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
  • The movie brings back several old favorites — including Velociraptors, Dilophosaurus and a T. rex from the original — before unleashing this fresh monstrosity on the handful of characters who make it to the end.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • His role in Days of Thunder was that of a young driver, Cole Trickle, who was new to racing.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Although Fraser-Pryce is known for contesting the 200-meter dash at her country’s championships, she’s opted not to race in it this year, following her decision not to do so last year as well.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • For instance, Black women often experience fibroids, or benign growths in the uterus, at higher rates than white women, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
    Megan Myscofski, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • 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
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
  • Later, it’s revealed that the Front Man took the cash, deposited it into a bank account, and traveled to Los Angeles to give the money to Gi-hun’s daughter, Ga-yeong.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 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
  • The priest survived, but had to be rushed to the hospital to have shrapnel from the bomb removed from his body.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Pascual suffered a massive head injury and was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center where he was put on life support.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 6 July 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 10 Jul. 2025.

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