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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 speed of China’s advances has stunned even foreign carmakers with deep roots in the country, which shut its borders for years during the Covid-19 pandemic. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 With six speed and heat settings, there’s a lot of room to figure out what works best for you. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Verb
Whether overindulging in drugs and alcohol or seriously injuring himself after speeding through a stop sign on his Harley Davidson, there have been more than a few moments to warrant reflection. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 The first months of 2025 have felt like a movie suddenly speeding up, images rushing by so fast that the dialogue is an almost incomprehensible gabble. Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • The Dodgers deal did not include the option to refuse a minor-league assignment; the 26-year-old was sent down to the minors shortly before Opening Day as the Dodgers took him through a complete swing overhaul to adjust to the advanced velocities stateside.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • None of Arizona’s three hits against Stanek on Wednesday had an exit velocity above 85.3 mph.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Cuomo is polling as the favorite to win June’s Democratic mayoral primary.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
  • This dahlia is a bee favorite for a couple of reasons: The single bicolor petals have a highly visible golden yellow center that guides bees directly to the pollen.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The Danish drugmaker is racing to capture more patients now that many compounding pharmacies are legally restricted from making cheaper, unapproved versions of Wegovy, with rare exceptions.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Policymakers have been racing to address the decline in production work following a series of major disruptions: the COVID-19 pandemic, the dual 2023 strikes in entertainment and the larger contraction in the industry.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Low interest rates are unlikely to return anytime soon.
    Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • John Zogby Grade: D Even though applications for jobless benefits spiked last week, the April unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% and the number of new jobs created grew by 177,000.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Juan and Alfredo—who arrives just afterward—don’t have time to mourn their friend’s death and hurry to leave after seeing people with flashlights heading toward the building.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025
  • When the final whistle sounded Saturday, coach Mikey Varas seemed eager for Tuesday to hurry up.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ramsey flies more than 400,000 miles per year and has traveled to all 7 continents, 50 U.S. states and 173 of the United Nations countries.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Messi and his teammates will travel to San Jose on Sunday and train there in preparation for Wednesday’s 10:30 p.m. game against the Earthquakes, who are coached by former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena and whose roster includes former Inter Miami player Josef Martinez.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • While some were rushing to a last-minute facial or doing one final fitting, friends of LaQuan Smith took the night before the Met as a chance to unwind before the big day.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • That high prices foretell lower prices rates more discussion as Republicans and conservatives rush to anoint former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Bracing for impact Meanwhile, expectations of a hit to the global economy from Trump’s tariffs have helped drive energy prices lower since April 2, as traders predict less demand for fuels.
    Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
  • From the stage is where Chen primarily drives the story of Bad Boy.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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