EXPEDITIOUS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

expeditious

adjective

ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shəs

Definition of expeditious

as in quick

having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation a company that is well-regarded for its expeditious handling of any request or complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 What if that got replaced by a chauffeur, caviar, spa treatments and a more expeditious TSA service? — Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for expeditious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expeditious

Adjective

Here’s a quick primer on the leading agents and tips for how to start.

— Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Naz Reid struck fire midway through the fourth, executing, in quick succession, plays on both ends of the court.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

The Royals made swift changes by reassigning hitting coach Alec Zumwalt and clearing out their entire training staff.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The storm on Wednesday that may have spawned a tornado was one in a barrage of strong storms across Southern California this week that caused localized flooding, strong rains and high winds, including a swift-water rescue in Los Angeles.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of swift

Browse Nearby Words

expeditions

expeditious

expeditiousness

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“Expeditious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expeditious. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expeditious

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