HASTE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'haste' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of haste are dispatch , expedition , hurry , and speed . While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness. // marry in haste

Q: How are the words 'expedition' and 'dispatch' related as synonyms of 'haste'?

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

Q: When could 'hurry' be used to replace 'haste'?

The words hurry and haste are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion. // in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

Q: When can 'speed' be used instead of 'haste'?

The words speed and haste can be used in similar contexts, but speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action. // exercises to increase your reading speed

haste

noun

ˈhāst

Definition of haste next

as in speed

a high rate of movement or performance made haste to get there on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hustle

excited and often showy or disorderly speed haste makes waste in her haste, she forgot her keys

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun haste contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of haste are dispatch, expedition, hurry, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

How are the words expedition and dispatch related as synonyms of haste?

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 could hurry be used to replace haste?

The words hurry and haste are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

When can speed be used instead of haste?

The words speed and haste can be used in similar contexts, but 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 haste This climate emergency is dire: tens of thousands have lost their homes, many had to evacuate in haste leaving behind their valuables and pets. —

Jessica Mendoza, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 In their haste to score points and politicize one of the worst natural disasters in California history, most haven’t even bothered offering the ritual hopes and prayers. —

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 In the frantic haste to get to safety, roadways became impassable when scores of people abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot, some toting suitcases. —

Jaimie Ding, TIME, 8 Jan. 2025 Some pundits have erroneously stated that the 2017 budget was put together in haste, which ignores the fact that the leaders met nearly every day for nine months. —

Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for haste

Recent Examples of Synonyms for haste

Noun

The three-legged Boston Terrier bounds with the speed of a jackrabbit.

— Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Wind speeds are predicted to range from 11 to 16 mph, with gusts up to 29 mph.

— Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2025