speedy

adjective

ˈspē-dē 

speedier; speediest

: marked by swiftness of motion or action

also : prompt sense 2

speedily

ˈspē-də-lē 

adverb

speediness

ˈspē-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• blistering
• breakneck
• breathless
• brisk
• dizzy
• fast
• fleet
• fleet-footed
• flying
• galloping
• hasty
• hot
• lightning
• nippy
• quick
• rapid
• rapid-fire
• rattling
• snappy
• splitting
• swift
• whirlwind
• zippy

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

The Oilers might be wise to trade for him in June, sign him and increase the number of speedy wingers with plus shots in the pool of young talent available this fall. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025

Because a massive particle travels more slowly, a speedy observer could overtake it and effectively reverse its direction of motion, thus flipping its apparent handedness. —Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025

Add a mid-century modern floor lamp to a cozy corner nook for under $100, or revamp your bathroom with a handy $20 organizer designed for small spaces—each item is on sale, highly rated, and is available via Amazon Prime’s speedy two-day shipping. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025

Sometimes, being on the small side can also mean speedier service. —Haniya Rae, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing speedy

• speedy recovery

Rhymes for speedy

• beady
• greedy
• guidi
• needy
• reedy
• seedy
• tweedy
• weedy
• unready

Kids Definition

speedy

adjective

ˈspēd-ē 

speedier; speediest

: moving or taking place fast

speedily

ˈspēd-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

speediness

ˈspēd-ē-nəs 

noun