dispatch
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dispatch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To send something or someone off promptly for a specific purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use dispatch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed in the 1500s from Spanish despachar or Italian dispacciare, meaning to hurry something along or send it off — likely picked up through diplomatic contacts with Spain and Italy.
Full origin of dispatch →Frequently asked questions
What does “dispatch” mean?
The word “dispatch” means to send something or someone off promptly for a specific purpose. In plain terms, to send off quickly, or a quick official message.
How do you pronounce “dispatch”?
“Dispatch” is pronounced dih-SPACH (/dɪˈspæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dispatch” in a sentence?
Here is “dispatch” used in a sentence: “The company dispatched a technician to fix the fault the same day.”
What is another word for “dispatch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dispatch” include make haste and send.
What part of speech is “dispatch”?
Depending on how it is used, “dispatch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “dispatch” come from?
The word “dispatch” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Italian. Borrowed in the 1500s from Spanish despachar or Italian dispacciare, meaning to hurry something along or send it off — likely picked up through diplomatic contacts with Spain and Italy.
Is “dispatch” a common word?
“Dispatch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dispatch” have?
“Dispatch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to send something or someone off promptly for a specific purpose.
What is the difference between dispatch and send?
Dispatch implies sending something or someone off promptly and often for a specific, sometimes official or urgent purpose, such as dispatching an ambulance. Send is a general term that does not carry the same sense of urgency or formality.
What is the difference between a dispatch and a message?
A dispatch is specifically a message, report, or shipment sent promptly, often official or urgent in nature, such as a news dispatch from a war zone. A message is a broader term for any piece of communication, regardless of urgency or formality.
How is dispatch used to mean completing a task quickly?
Dispatch can mean to deal with a task or piece of business quickly and efficiently, as in 'she dispatched her emails before lunch.' This usage emphasizes speed and competence rather than physically sending something.