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

But broadly speaking, the combination regimen is preferred, as it can help hasten the process and curb uncomfortable side effects including cramping and bleeding.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

The severity of seemingly mundane, everyday anxieties — school bullies, the prom, graduation, obnoxious Cher-obsessed college roommates — is on par with demons trying to hasten the apocalypse.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

With lunch approaching in Sydney and Australia attempting to burgle some overs to hasten the second new ball, the hosts asked Marnus Labuschagne to bowl some of his very occasional medium-pace.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

At that moment, our father stumbled into the room, waving his arms to hasten Laertes, departure.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing hasten

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

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