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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for speedy

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 As technological advancements allowed for speedier travel, cockroaches could spread across greater distances with global trade. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2024 Plus, the 49ers could be gassed from chasing the speedy Dolphins. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for speedy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speedy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near speedy

speedwell

speedy

speedy cut

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Speedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speedy. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

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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

Britannica English: Translation of speedy for Arabic Speakers

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