speedy

adjective

ˈspē-dē How to pronounce speedy (audio)
speedier; speediest
Synonyms of speedynext
: marked by swiftness of motion or action
also : prompt sense 2
speedily
ˈspē-də-lē How to pronounce speedy (audio)
adverb
speediness
ˈspē-dē-nəs How to pronounce speedy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of speedy

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fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity.

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

fast horses

and rapid to the movement itself.

rapid current

swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment

speedy delivery of mail

and may also suggest unusual velocity.

hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

Examples of speedy in a Sentence

They wished her a speedy recovery. a speedy worker but not a very careful one, unfortunately
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Meanwhile, their diss track drop rate might go down as the speediest in history. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 Prepare it 24 hours in advance for a speedy weeknight dinner. — Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026 Use up those stray lasagna noodles in this speedy, family-friendly pasta dish made with Italian turkey sausage. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 2 July 2026 Members love Thrive Market's wide selection of high-quality products and speedy shipping. — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for speedy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English spedi "beneficial, unencumbered, agile, prompt," from sped "luck, success, assistance, rate of progress" + -i -y entry 1 — more at speed entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of speedy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing speedy

Rhymes for speedy

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Browse Nearby Words

speedwell
speedy
speedy cut
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Cite this Entry

“Speedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speedy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

speedy

adjective
ˈspēd-ē How to pronounce speedy (audio)
speedier; speediest
: moving or taking place fast
speedily
ˈspēd-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce speedy (audio)
adverb
speediness
ˈspēd-ē-nəs How to pronounce speedy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on speedy

Nglish: Translation of speedy for Spanish Speakers

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