Synonyms

full speed

American

noun

the maximum speed.
Nautical. the speed normally maintained on a passage.

adverb

at maximum speed.

to move full speed ahead.

Etymology

Origin of full speed

First recorded in 1350–1400

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.

"We want feasibility studies and a pause, so we know the actual local impacts -- not just rushing ahead at full speed," said Dziobek.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Under US President Donald Trump it is expected to be "full speed ahead" for regulatory approval, says Scott Wagner, head of the antitrust practice at the law firm Bilzin Sumberg.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Sanctioned for allegedly shipping oil to U.S.-designated terrorist organizations, the Bella 1 made an unusual move last weekend, executing a U-turn, refusing to be boarded and racing away from Venezuela at full speed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 25, 2025

"We are proceeding with our project at full speed," Henriksson said, while adding that they had already secured about half of additional financing needs from prior investors.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

Shaking our heads, Delia and I pushed off and rode our bikes at full speed trying to catch up with Juanita and Velia.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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