haste

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 Embers ‘falling like rain’ Looking out to the backyard, Tanner saw embers drift down slowly, then in haste. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025 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 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
Noun
  • Keene matched career highs with 10 rebounds and three steals, making the behind-the-scenes hustle plays the Broncos needed to get back in the win column with a 66-56 victory over Nevada in Mountain West action at ExtraMile Arena.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Staying at Wildflower feels like being transported to an otherworldly, slower pace—far from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Mets have been intrigued by the possibility of his velocity in a relief role, but valued the starting pitching depth in the past.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Cubs would also hope to tease a little more velocity back out of Pressly, who has historically had strong ground-ball numbers, which would play well on a team with multiple Gold Glove defenders.
    Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump himself said on Friday there was no rush in implementing his plan.
    Barak Ravid, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The truth is, however, that the Maple Leafs aren’t an especially fast team and generate very little off of the rush overall.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In high school sports, things can change in a hurry.
    Todd Abeln, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Thursday night, a tie game after the first period turned one-sided in a hurry, as the Seattle Kraken scored four goals in less than six minutes and cruised to a 6-2 win at Climate Pledge Arena.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The week’s snow forecast starts Wednesday, as chances for precipitation are at 40% with below-freezing temperatures all day, reaching a high near 28.
    Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Parts of Virginia and West Virginia hit with up to a foot of snow this week were facing a fast melt along with rain and mixed precipitation.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near haste

Cite this Entry

“Haste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haste. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on haste

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!