speed 1 of 2

Definition of speednext

speed

2 of 2

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

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 190 top-end speeds on the backstretch are also believed to be a Randol Mill Road record. Kevin Sherrington mar. 15, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026 In recent years, North Korea’s partnership with Chinese money laundering networks has unlocked a new level of speed and efficiency that North Korean operators had not been able to achieve independently. Lisa Cavazuti, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
DeLuca expects to use the same argument to defend vehicle owners targeted by speeding and speed-zone cameras. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 The turnaround time can be sped up to two weeks or three weeks for an additional $60 — and for even faster processing, add $22 more. Julie Carr Smyth, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • While Ward’s speed made for a rude welcoming, the most notable part of Cole’s day was his velocity.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Also, his fastball velocity has dipped, from 91-92 mph in his March 5 start to 89-90 on Tuesday night.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In heavily Democratic Illinois, where the last Republican elected to the Senate was Mark Kirk in 2010 and the GOP’s last statewide victory came in 2014, the Democratic nominee is the prohibitive favorite in November to replace Durbin following a 30-year tenure in the Senate.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • From an iconic foundation achieving new levels of perfection to the first-ever setting powder–blush hybrid, our winners are ushering in a new generation of cult-favorites.
    Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Not all fans were racing aficionados.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026
  • But Cockrum raced down the court for a layup, barely beating the buzzer to cut the lead to 19-16 entering the final quarter.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The American always had the engine and work rate to flit between defensive and attacking duties in a central midfield berth.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
  • And while the president has continued to beckon the Fed for further rate cuts, domestic oil prices have indeed already risen.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Days are structured around early morning wake-ups and hikes that last two or four hours (your preference), movement classes, daily massages, and healthy communal meals.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Hong Kong officials last month proposed to buy back the homeownership rights from the fire victims, citing results from a survey of residents' preferences, dashing hopes for those who want to rebuild their homes at the site.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The district was represented by general counsel Devora Navera Reed as well as by an outside counsel who hurried to the scene.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The agency advised Americans to travel by land to either Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey, given that Iraqi airspace is closed at least until Monday.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026
  • That ability to travel across the European Union and to relocate to Italy or other EU countries makes Italian dual citizenship appealing.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Local authorities from the Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and archaeology rushed to the scene to investigate.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Last year, state lawmakers rushed to pass last-minute legislation designed to address VMT’s numerous flaws.
    Jeff Montejano, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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