Exam Vocabulary and Synonyms for Speed

On this page, you will find lists of words to help you expand your vocabulary related to the word ‘speed’. There are nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs, so you will learn how to put stronger sentences together with more sophisticated language. Practicing forming sentences in this way is particularly good if you are preparing for exams, such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, LSAT, Civil Services, and Banking.

Example Sentence Showing Synonyms and Different Word Forms:

Everyone was in such a hurry (noun) to get their shopping done before the holidays, so they were rushing (verb) madly (adverb) around the stores in a flurry (noun) of activity. The stores were swiftly (adverb) out of stock of all the best stuff.

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HOW TO USE OUR SYNONYM TABLES:

COMMON USE

ADVANCED EXAMS

In this column, you will find words that you will come across in everyday English, and which are even suitable for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.

*An asterisk means that this word is less popular in everyday English than the other words in the list. These words may also be asked in some simpler exams.

In this column, you will find words that are likely to be asked in more Advanced Exams, such as GRE, MBA, SAT/LSAT, Civil Service, Banks, etc.

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Some Nouns for Describing Something in Terms of Speed

(a rush; a hurry; a dash)

COMMON USE

ADVANCED EXAMS

Don’t be in such a rush to do that.

We decided to scan the document for the sake of expedience.

Why are you in such a big hurry?

We made a mad dash to the check-in desk to catch our flight.

There was a flurry of activity following the surprise announcement.

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Some Adjectives for Talking About Speed

COMMON USE

ADVANCED EXAMS

He walked at a steady pace.

The company was known for its expeditious service. Everything was done in a timely manner.

It was a measured response to the attack. They took their time debating how to deal with it.

He took an almost metronomic approach, making sure things happened regularly.

The noise was constant. It was never stopped.

The couriers were known for their lightning delivery service. Everything arrived within 24 hours!

It all happened so fast! I didn’t even see the man!

It was just a quick kiss, but he never forgot it.

They were the rapid response team, and they were highly trained.

He made a speedy recovery from his illness, and got straight back to work.

Their revenge was swift and deadly.

It was a whirlwind romance, lasting only a few weeks.

We went for a brisk walk through the woods, enjoying the fresh air.

Don’t be so hasty to dismiss her. She has some good ideas.

He adopted a hurried approach to the problem, which was why he didn’t solve it.

It was a very rushed affair, but it turned out okay in the end.

*sprightly

*rhythmic

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Some Verbs for Talking About Speed

(rushed past; sped away; hurried along)

COMMON USE

ADVANCED EXAMS

He rushed past the window, so we couldn’t see him properly.

She sped off down the road, cycling her bike as fast as she could.

The little girl flitted away, skipping and laughing.

He pressed down on the pedal, and the car accelerated rapidly.

They hurried to get married, but they should have waited until the following year.

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Some Adverbs for Talking About the Speed of Actions

COMMON USE

ADVANCED EXAMS

We tidied up hastily, because our parents were on the way home.

The letters were despatched speedily to get rid of the backlog of post.

They advanced hurriedly up the hill, to reach the cabin before the storm.

We progressed swiftly, knowing there wasn’t much time left.

The girls were constantly talking. They never let up!

She replied hesitantly, worried about the reaction to what she had to say.

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