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Synonyms

expeditious

American  
[ek-spi-dish-uhs] / ˌɛk spɪˈdɪʃ əs /

adjective

  1. characterized by promptness; quick.

    an expeditious answer to an inquiry.
    Synonyms:
    rapid, fast, speedy, swift, prompt
    Antonyms:
    deliberate, leisurely, slow
expeditious British  
/ ˌɛkspɪˈdɪʃəs /

adjective

  1. characterized by or done with speed and efficiency; prompt; quick

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • expeditiously adverb
  • expeditiousness noun
  • nonexpeditious adjective
  • nonexpeditiousness noun
  • unexpeditious adjective
  • unexpeditiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of expeditious

First recorded in 1590–1600; exped(ition) + -itious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Iranian officials assured the "safe, unhindered and expeditious passage" for Philippines-flagged ships through the waterway, said Theresa Lazaro, the South East Asian country's foreign affairs secretary.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

"All ships and aircraft enjoy the right of transit passage... for the purpose of continuous and expeditious transit of the strait," it states.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Now, however, it’s clear that, at least when it comes to this order, language like “most expeditious manner,” doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is changing anytime soon.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

In a press statement, Orsted said it will “determine how best it may be possible to work with the U.S. Administration to achieve an expeditious and durable resolution.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

More favors, innocent enough — packages to the mailbox, expeditious disposal of a bumblebee.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.