Synonym Chooser

How does the noun expedition contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expedition are dispatch, haste, hurry, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," 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

When might haste be a better fit than expedition?

While the synonyms haste and expedition are close in meaning, haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

When can hurry be used instead of expedition?

Although the words hurry and expedition have much in common, hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

When could speed be used to replace expedition?

In some situations, the words speed and expedition are roughly equivalent. However, speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

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 expedition The Ocean Exploration vessel E/V Nautilus visited the Yorktown wreck in 2023, and NOAA Ocean Exploration is building on data collected by that expedition. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025 Now, nearing the end of his life, Terry embarks on one final expedition—to a remote island—in search of his old companion, hoping to say goodbye. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 On Sunday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast: On a recent expedition to Antarctica, researchers made a startling discovery after part of a huge ice sheet broke off. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025 Isaacman, a superstar of the NewSpace sector, will lead NASA into a new era of celestial expeditions, Kelly forecasts. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedition
Noun
  • The Padres need more from a star on the mound, too, as Dylan Cease has begun his walk year with just one quality start in his first six trips (5.76 ERA) to the mound.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Vionic Copal Kirra Strappy Sandals $120 $70 at Amazon Dressy enough to wear with maxi-length beach dresses yet casual enough to pair with linen shorts, these strappy sandals are suited for any event on your trip’s itinerary.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, the transition from traditional wife to breadwinner was an unexpected journey.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • It’s been a bumpy journey on that end of the floor throughout the regular season.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dreams came true on Boylston Street as tens of thousands of ambitious and determined runners conquered the Boston Marathon, crossing the finish line after the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The global trek runs though Aug. 22, with stops around North America.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their work has included three spacewalks — including a record-breaking excursion outside of the space station, and conducting a sweeping range of experiments.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • She was later spotted holding hands with Charlie Gooch during a Valentine's Day excursion in London the following year.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedition. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expedition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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