speedy
3 synonyms and 1 antonyms for speedy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Happening or moving quickly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use speedy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English spēdiġ ("prosperous, having good speed"), from the same root as "speed."
Full origin of speedy →Frequently asked questions
What does “speedy” mean?
The word “speedy” means happening or moving quickly. In plain terms, fast, quick.
How do you pronounce “speedy”?
“Speedy” is pronounced SPEE-dee (/ˈspiː.di/ in IPA).
How do you use “speedy” in a sentence?
Here is “speedy” used in a sentence: “We wish you a speedy recovery.”
What is the opposite of “speedy”?
The opposite of “speedy” — its antonyms — is slow.
What part of speech is “speedy”?
“Speedy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “speedy” come from?
The word “speedy” comes from Old English. From Old English spēdiġ ("prosperous, having good speed"), from the same root as "speed.".
Is “speedy” a common word?
“Speedy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between speedy and fast?
Speedy and fast are close synonyms, but speedy often implies happening or being completed quickly, such as a speedy recovery or a speedy trial, whereas fast more commonly describes the rate of physical movement. Speedy is frequently used with abstract nouns like processes, decisions, or outcomes rather than objects in motion.
Why is speedy commonly used in phrases like speedy recovery or speedy trial?
These fixed expressions use speedy to emphasize that something is expected to happen without delay, such as healing quickly after illness or a court case being resolved promptly. The word works well here because it describes the pace of an event or process rather than physical speed.
Is speedy formal or informal English?
Speedy is neutral and appears in both everyday speech and formal contexts, including legal and medical language, such as the constitutional right to a speedy trial. It is not considered slang or overly casual.