rush
26 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rush, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To hurry or do something very quickly, sometimes carelessly.
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 rush
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Likely from Middle English ruschen ("to make a rushing noise"), from Old English hrysċan, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "fast, quick."
Full origin of rush →Frequently asked questions
What does “rush” mean?
The word “rush” means to hurry or do something very quickly, sometimes carelessly. In plain terms, to hurry, or a sudden surge of activity or feeling; also, a name for a marsh plant, an unrelated sense from a different word history.
How do you pronounce “rush”?
“Rush” is pronounced ruhsh (/ɹʌʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rush” in a sentence?
Here is “rush” used in a sentence: “She rushed through breakfast to catch the early train.”
What is another word for “rush”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rush” include fly, scramble, get a move on, hasten, haul and hurtle.
What part of speech is “rush”?
Depending on how it is used, “rush” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “rush” come from?
The word “rush” comes from Old English. Likely from Middle English ruschen ("to make a rushing noise"), from Old English hrysċan, related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning "fast, quick.".
Is “rush” a common word?
“Rush” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “rush” have?
“Rush” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hurry or do something very quickly, sometimes carelessly.
What is the difference between rush and hurry?
Both mean to move or act quickly, and they are often interchangeable. Rush suggests greater urgency and speed, and can hint at carelessness or being swept along. Hurry is a little gentler and more neutral. You might hurry to catch a bus, but rush a job and make mistakes.
Does rushing mean being careless?
Not always, but the word often carries that warning. Rushing simply means doing something very fast, yet because haste can cause slips, "rushing" frequently implies too little care or thought. "Don't rush it" usually means slow down and do it properly, so the term leans mildly negative.
What is an example of rush as a verb?
"We had to rush to finish before the deadline" shows acting at speed under pressure. "Don't rush me" asks someone to stop hurrying you along. "Paramedics rushed him to hospital" stresses urgent speed. In each case, rush marks fast action, sometimes with a sense of pressure.