Definitions

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.

If the U.S. government gets early access to the most advanced models, this could hasten the trend.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

But, while Fernandes and Lewis-Skelly are different types of midfielders, the latter's emergence may hasten a change in approach.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

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

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

I looked at my house in which I had spent years seeking my God, fasting to hasten the coming of the Messiah, imagining what my life would be like later.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel

Vocabulary lists containing hasten

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!