hurry 1 of 2

1
2
3

hurry

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hurry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hurry are dispatch, expedition, haste, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

How do expedition and dispatch relate to one another, in the sense of hurry?

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 can haste be used instead of hurry?

The words haste and hurry can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

Where would speed be a reasonable alternative to hurry?

Although the words speed and hurry have much in common, 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 hurry
Noun
The defensive lineman earned an elite 83.7 Pro Football Focus grade and was credited with a whopping 23 quarterback hurries. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 There is not the hurry to comply with infrastructure needs or ground improvements. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
One peed, and the other hurried over to roll in it. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 The deals are on now and are good until April 14, so hurry and upgrade your Microsoft Office system today. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurry
Noun
  • Every Met asked about Lindor’s three-run shot made sure to mention Tyrone Taylor’s hustle down the line one batter earlier, to prevent an inning-ending double play.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Yellow Taxi Fellow New Yorkers know how magical the city can be in the summertime, and what better way to evoke the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple than with the iconic taxi cab yellow.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Exposition — and there’s a lot of it — is delivered with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it speed.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Despite scoring only nine times herself, that speed has stretched opposition back-line and given Lyon other players the space to score over 100 goals this season.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The actress explains that after all that commotion, her son refused to walk home with shoes on.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The man identified by authorities as Mutu is seen grabbing the girl’s arms and forcing them to her sides as neighbors responded to the commotion and confronted him.
    Diego Mendoza and Holly Yan, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Raiders were the worst rushing offense in the NFL in 2024, with league-worst finishes in both rushing yards (79.8 ypg) and yards per carry (3.6).
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Over three seasons at Alabama, his sideline-to-sideline speed showed through, as did his ability to rush the quarterback.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Their eyes are more sensitive to movement, so fast-moving visuals—like scurrying mice—are particularly engaging.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Dismounting, the ship’s captain unlocked the outer gate, and his men scurried into the courtyard, squeezing through the small door that led into the gunpowder room.
    Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The girl’s breath smelled of sleep, just slightly stale—no time for mouthwash, toothpaste, in her haste to see him.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The original American Idol winner and cover queen is expected to resume hosting The Kelly Clarkson Show post haste, according to Deadline.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The 15 mph winds to straightaway center, with gusts up to 34 mph, might have helped, but still, Story crushed his first three-run homer of the game 427 feet to center with an exit velocity of 105 mph.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • With exit velocities routinely clocking in at over 100 mph, the 26-year-old is hitting .292 with a 1.003 OPS, five home runs and nine RBI.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This case is still causing a stir in international law, with people discussing expropriation and investor rights—issues that the Russian elite relegated to afterthoughts to protect political concerns.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Trump created a new stir on a related matter at Monday’s meeting.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hurry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!