speed 1 of 2

noun

ˈspēd How to pronounce speed (audio)
Definition of speednext
1
as in velocity
a high rate of movement or performance we dashed off the remaining paperwork with as much speed as possible so we could leave for the long weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others that kind of old-fashioned horror movie is just my speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

speed

2 of 2

verb

as in to race
to proceed or move quickly a bullet train speeding across the lush countryside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
As The Fast and the Furious (2001) speeds back into theaters for its 25th anniversary, Vin Diesel is ready for one last ride as Dominic Toretto. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026 These conflicts reflect the speed and scale of the transition. — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
One video, which was sped up, shows a robot exiting a minivan before a cleaning job. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a new hiring guide for California state employees this week in hopes of speeding up the process. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
  1. velocity
  2. favorite
  3. race
  4. rate
  5. preference
  6. hurry
  7. travel
  8. rush
Noun
  • Mahle’s four-seam fastball velocity has also gradually ticked up in recent starts as well.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Didn’t see a lot of sweepers, but the velocity of the fastball, four-seamer, two-seamer, was really good.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of velocity
Noun
  • For Democrats, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is the overwhelming favorite over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The biggest crowd puller is the famous black cod miso but locals have unofficially crowned the Wagyu beef and foie gras dumplings with spicy ponzu Warsaw’s favorite.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorite
Verb
  • Meanwhile, officials are racing to ensure older office buildings can be safely transformed into apartments.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The duo also tapped Bamford Watch Department to help bring the new timepiece imbued in racing heritage to life.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
Definition of race
Noun
  • This initiative aims to significantly reduce the state's high rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions, which ranks fifth nationally and contributes to the nation's highest auto insurance claims.
    — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • John Knox Village currently holds one of the highest voter turnout rates in the state.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of rate
Noun
  • The strongest systems will likely recommend thoughtfully, confirm preferences and give travelers control rather than making assumptions.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The Fed chairman devoted a fair amount of time to discussing his preference for markets to trade on economic data, as opposed to Fed policy.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
Definition of preference
Verb
  • Just bearing witness to the marketing for all these murder-mysteries is enough to make any discerning viewer desperate for Hollywood to hurry up and start chasing the next trend already.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
  • Wilson arced a left-footed pass into the perfect space for the Italian, whose shot was hurried and saved by Arthur Okonkwo.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of hurry
Verb
  • The timing of the meeting comes as Myanmar’s junta chief turned president Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to travel to Thailand on August 6 and will meet with Thailand’s Prime ​Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The tens of thousands of people traveling at once and the road closures near the stadium and Atlanta park made driving very unattractive.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of travel
Verb
  • Gable then rushed into a backbreaker by Penta for a nearfall.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Collins added that his five children rushed to the hospital, thinking their father was on his deathbed.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of rush

Phrases Containing speed

Browse Nearby Words

speechlessness
speed
speedboat
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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on speed

Nglish: Translation of speed for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about speed

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