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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
Increase mixer speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 Brain games that focus on boosting attention and improving processing speed — like BrainHQ’s Double Decision and Freeze Frame — appear to preserve acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter, according to the new research. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Mastery over battles will see trainers speed up the ranks of the Z-A Royale, a tournament unique to Lumiose City (where the entire game is played). Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 Don't speed or tailgate, Fines double for speeding in a Michigan work zone, so slow down. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • The company also uses the sprawling campus to test explosives, according to its website, measuring the velocity of explosions as well as their impact on surrounding areas under varying environmental conditions.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Measure the velocity and impact of their ideas.
    Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their fan favorite is the Cajun chicken filet biscuit, served with crispy Bo-Tato Rounds and a hot cup of their 100% Arabica premium coffee.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Datskovska regularly tests out and reports on TikTok-viral beauty favorites.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The timing of the deal comes as Big Tech firms race to secure scarce land, power, and compute capacity—the foundational resources underpinning the AI race.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • My heart was racing, but not with excitement.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, the Federal Reserve’s shift back to rate cuts amid still-solid economic growth should continue to boost to the dollar, which will likely shrug off tariff threats, Brown predicted.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Sens even dominated in the faceoff circle, with a win rate over 67 percent.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Keaton had a preference for uplifting films, often leaning towards romantic comedies or movies about female friends with an optimistic viewpoint.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Choosing the best diet depends on your goals, health status, and preferences.
    Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Below are the standout Crocs deals worth adding to your cart right now, but hurry before your shoe size sells out.
    Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Thirteen weeks later, the couple traveled to Russia and brought Anna back home to Georgia.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Toulouse’s approach aims to miniaturize 3D printing technology to travel through a thin optical fiber to address the drawbacks.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kim rushed home to find Kris lying on a stretcher with a neck brace.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Robinson rushed for 170 yards on 19 carries with an 81-yard touchdown that blew this game wide open in favor of the home team.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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