hasten

[hey-suhn] / ˈheɪ sən /

VERB

speed something; hurry

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accelerate expedite precipitate quicken step up urge

STRONG

advance bolt bound burn bustle clip dash dispatch express flee fly gallop goad hie hustle leap pace plunge press push race run rush scamper scoot scurry scuttle skip sprint spurt tear trot

WEAK

cover ground get cracking get the lead out haste make haste make tracks move quickly not lose a minute shake a leg step on it take wing waste no time whip around

Antonyms

STRONGEST

check decelerate halt hinder retard slow

STRONG

aid dawdle discourage dissuade face help meet pull stand stay stop wait walk

WEAK

go slow lag linger loiter procrastinate rest tarry

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.

There are some signs that this latest fossil-fuel price shock could hasten that kind of destruction—most notably increases in EV sales in many markets as gasoline prices jumped.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

It will only hasten the very decline the movement fears.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2026

The German government just approved a list of measures to cut red tape that should hasten deployment.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

He called for more money to be put into research on brain tumours, to hasten research into alternative treatments for the condition.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

So in order to hasten the serving, a giant double door that led from the kitchen to the Great Hall was opened.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Vocabulary lists containing hasten

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

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