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.

His mission: to use a free press to shine a spotlight on government abuses and hasten the end of communism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

She gains access to Merril’s phone and texts Raquel to hasten the two women getting back together.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

Carrying Hamlet in his basket, I hasten to Therese’s room, where the three Marys are gathered.

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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