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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
Dillow caught glimpses of Cooper-Smith’s speed during physical education classes in middle school. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 The platform analyzes daily phone usage and stats like keystroke speed, pressure, consistency, reaction times. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Verb
But when the officer switched on their lights and sirens, Allen sped up and wouldn’t pull over, kicking off a pursuit that went onto Interstate 235, police said. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025 The two occupants of the jet ski stopped and started to turn back, but then sped away after apparently realizing Moore was injured. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • Related – his fastball velocity is down to an average of 92.4 mph this season, a full 2 mph lost since 2023.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
  • Get serious about pipeline velocity, win rates and quota attainment.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Homemade ice pops were another fan favorite of our readers and editors.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • At this stage of his career as time is running out, Cena really doesn’t need to be involved in the world title picture, and in fact, losing that title could be what propels him back to being a fan favorite.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Over the past century the price of gold has raced at a 2.2% average annual rate above inflation.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Greyhounds adjust well to life after racing and thrive in home environments, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Communities with higher vaccination rates have fewer opportunities to spread the virus.
    Libby Richards, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Snag a pair before the sale ends on May 26 at 8 a.m. Eastern, and hurry, because popular styles and sizes are sure to fly off the (virtual) shelves.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Aunt Phoebe hurries the girls home — to their residences and to the Red Center — before any cloak-red blood gets spilled.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Best Amazon Comfortable Shoe and Clothing Deals When traveling on assignment, my first packing priority is always comfortable shoes that can keep up with my busy schedule and not leave me with tired, achy feet at the end of the day.
    Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • The main body of the expedition, traveling on the South African Navy frigate Transvaal, reached the island on January 22, 1962.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Questions rushed through my head: What are my clothes going to look like?
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Medics rushed Ellis to Jamaica Hospital but he could not be saved.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Much of the innovation that drives societal progress and economic productivity does not emerge from revolutions in thought, but from the subtle extension and application of existing knowledge.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Derek Jeter gets his 2,000th career hit, becoming the eighth player in Yankees history to reach the milestone. 2008 — Chase Utley tied the National League lead with his 16th homer and drove in six runs as Philadelphia routed Colorado 20-5.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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