Definition of expeditiousnext

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 The campaign officially launched in early May, but saw expeditious traction in early June. Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 And with the proliferation of small presses and the ascendance of self publishing as viable, if less expeditious or prestigious strategies for writers, even the indifference of mainstream publishers is not always the final word. Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice. Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 They were also boosted by the expeditious return of the ever-durable Anže Kopitar (foot) for the past three matches and Doughty’s goal in San Jose, which tied him with Rob Blake for most career goals by a Kings blue-liner. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expeditious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious
Adjective
  • As Vogue Business reported last year, brands were quick to adjust their playbooks as GLP-1 use became increasingly widespread.
    Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But uncovering the identity of the decades-old body would not be quick work.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Oil prices and government borrowing costs climbed higher on Tuesday as traders’ hopes of a swift resolution to the US-Iran conflict fade.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Comcast plans to separate out NBCUniversal in 2027, a swift follow-up to the spinout of Versant, its portfolio of cable TV networks, including CNBC.
    Alex Sherman,Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If a coyote behaves aggressively or poses an immediate threat to people, move to a safe location and call 911.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There was an immediate shift from Watts after the manic episode, McCollough’s friends say.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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