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.
After building an action camera capable of tracking speedy cyclists and skiers, HoverAir decided to tackle a foe that had foiled other consumer drone manufacturers. — Max Cea, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 In her eyes, a speedy race and a seamless podcast have a common thread — cadence. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 With a reputation as a speedy, hard-hitting impact player, Houston commanded the respect of District 3-6A coaches in 2025, earning district MVP honors — an award typically reserved for quarterbacks, receivers and running backs. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 The Chiefs have expressed interest in reuniting with the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver, who was a favorite target of quarterback Patrick Mahomes when Kansas City won a Super Bowl in 2020. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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