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hurry

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun hurry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hurry are dispatch, expedition, haste, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

How do expedition and dispatch relate to one another, in the sense of hurry?

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 can haste be used instead of hurry?

The words haste and hurry can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

Where would speed be a reasonable alternative to hurry?

Although the words speed and hurry have much in common, 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 hurry
Noun
To Cuomo, Mamdani is a young man in a hurry whose lack of experience should disqualify him from leading America's largest city. Christian Orozco, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 Both teams can put up points in a hurry. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help. Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025 Below are the standout Crocs deals worth adding to your cart right now, but hurry before your shoe size sells out. Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hurry
Noun
  • González earned 23 minutes with his hustle.
    Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Less than a decade later, his hustle had paid off.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are also several large time skips as the play picks up speed and focuses less on the group in favor of exploring Lizzie’s mother and their family in its second act.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Catastrophic Hurricane Melissa made landfall along the southwestern coast of Jamaica on Tuesday with dangerous wind speeds of 185 mph and life-threatening storm surge, preparing to leave a wake of destruction across the island before focusing its ferocity on southeastern Cuba.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On the other side, there was just as much commotion, but these conversations were almost hysterical — and far uglier.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The commotion was a touching proposal from a couple in the crowd.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Willmore has opened up about his status as HIV-positive, and he's documented his experience rushing a fraternity as an openly gay college student.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • However, companies that rush to discipline employees in such cases risk missing the bigger issue.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then, Olivia scurried off into an enclave off the side stage as Dylan and Daniella punched up into a high-octane, athletic routine.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Two small children scurried out behind her.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The thieves dropped two pieces in their haste to get away.
    News Desk, Artforum, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Though meetings between military brass and civilian leaders are nothing new, this gathering had fueled intense speculation about its purpose given the haste with which it was called and the mystery surrounding it.
    Konstantin Toropin, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As winds move between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains, the velocity increases and carries the sand grains from the sandstone.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Pitch velocities have sped up by nearly 6% percent since 2002, one analysis found.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Combine the two in a non-reactive container and stir.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Her Cornish Rex cat, Rabbit, is sprawled out on the floor, unconcerned by the two birds (Chicken and Charlie) chirping from an adjacent office or a colleague’s gray-haired cat next door, who seems to be causing a stir.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hurry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hurry. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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