HURRY Synonyms: 288 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of hurry are dispatch , expedition , haste , and speed . While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion. // in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

Q: How do 'expedition' and 'dispatch' relate to one another, in the sense of 'hurry'?

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 can 'haste' be used instead of 'hurry'?

The words haste and hurry can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness. // marry in haste

Q: Where would 'speed' be a reasonable alternative to 'hurry'?

Although the words speed and hurry have much in common, speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action. // exercises to increase your reading speed

hurry 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hurry next

as in hustle

excited and often showy or disorderly speed after all her hurry to get her report done on time, Elizabeth learned that it wasn't due till the following week

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in speed

a high rate of movement or performance a person who does everything in a hurry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in commotion

a state of noisy, confused activity in all the hurry of the modern world, people tend to forget what's really important

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hurry

2 of 2

verb

ˈhər-ē

as in to rush

to cause to move or proceed fast or faster the new nurses were hurried through the orientation program because they were so desperately needed on the ward

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to scurry

to proceed or move quickly if we hurry, we'll make the four o'clock train

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hurry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hurry are dispatch, expedition, haste, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

How do expedition and dispatch relate to one another, in the sense of hurry?

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 can haste be used instead of hurry?

The words haste and hurry can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

Where would speed be a reasonable alternative to hurry?

Although the words speed and hurry have much in common, 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 hurry

Noun

One way to be ready to leave in a hurry is to have a go bag. —

Terri Daxon, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2025 As Tony, Carmela, and A.J. dive into onion rings, Meadow finally parks and hurries across the street, heading for the door. —

Will Harris, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

Wildfires raged across Southern California on Wednesday, leaving at least two people dead and prompting thousands of evacuations as blazes closed in on Los Angeles neighborhoods like the Pacific Palisades and residents hurried to escape. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025 Some of the best-selling party supplies are discounted now, so hurry and grab them in time to celebrate! —

Cai Cramer, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hurry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurry

Noun

Where dinner parties are for enjoying yourself and connecting with other people, fabulous lunches are for slowing down in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2025
But that hustle won’t be enough now that his girlfriend Destiny (Destiny Checo) is moving in with him and his family.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025