Definition of expeditionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun expedition contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of expedition are dispatch, haste, hurry, and speed. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," 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 might haste be a better fit than expedition?

While the synonyms haste and expedition are close in meaning, haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

When can hurry be used instead of expedition?

Although the words hurry and expedition have much in common, hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

When could speed be used to replace expedition?

In some situations, the words speed and expedition are roughly equivalent. However, 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 expedition In response, the company challenged Judge Smith’s authority over the 1,800 artifacts retrieved during that first expedition. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Encouraged by his wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo), Tenzing finds an ally in expedition secretary Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe). Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Caitríona Balfe co-stars as expedition secretary Jill Henderson. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Once the submarine work was done, Ballard could use any remaining time in the expedition to search for the Titanic. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedition
Noun
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The $4 billion observatory is on a million-mile journey to an orbit beyond the moon.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • What started as a column for a youth magazine at a club in North London has now been running for over a decade, with several of the other students Dimoldenberg met there going on the journey with her.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, there are ways to plan accordingly – and even avoid the long trek altogether.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
  • By our second call, the trek had cured them of a few assumptions about streaming.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The hotel hosts marine biologists from the trust to conduct research and take guests on safe and responsible excursions to see them in their natural habitat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In years prior, Jenner has celebrated her August birthday by planning lavish events, including luxury yacht excursions or renting out entire venues.
    Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedition. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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