Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective expeditious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expeditious are fast, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related as synonyms of expeditious?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When is fleet a more appropriate choice than expeditious?

In some situations, the words fleet and expeditious are roughly equivalent. However, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of expeditious?

While the synonyms hasty and expeditious are close in meaning, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When is it sensible to use quick instead of expeditious?

The synonyms quick and expeditious are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of expeditious?

The words rapid and expeditious can be used in similar contexts, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

Where would speedy be a reasonable alternative to expeditious?

While in some cases nearly identical to expeditious, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When might swift be a better fit than expeditious?

Although the words swift and expeditious have much in common, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

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 expeditious As to availability, Cybertruck deliveries appear to be more expeditious, especially compared to this spring when posted wait times were as far out as 2025. Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 His ascent was met with an equally expeditious fall. Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2024 An easy breakfast or expeditious snack, a smoothie is the deliciously healthy cousin to an ice cream shake. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 26 June 2024 But that would have been awkward and not the most expeditious way of accomplishing the task. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • In warmer climates, for example, the liquid expands and contracts more rapidly, which can lead to a quicker extraction of flavors from the barrel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The director is also quick to point out how this mindset is not exclusive to the U.S. but is also widely spreading in Europe and across the world.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crisis Planning As new challenges come afoot, is the company’s crisis communication plan updated to deliver a swift response?
    Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Be swift with SwiftScan VIP's lifetime subscription access to the app and scanning tools, now just $41.99 (reg.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These actions often yield more immediate results than waiting for a chance to elect a new president. 2.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The reaction was immediate and polarized — cheers erupted from some fans who are accustomed to Barkley’s blunt, unfiltered style, while others booed in audible disgust.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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