27+ Other Ways to Say Speed Up (100+ Examples)

Many people get stuck using the same old words, but your writing deserves more energy. Sometimes you need a fresh spark to keep things moving, and that is where this list helps. Learning other ways to say speed up makes your sentences pop, and keeps your readers hooked. Here, you will find a huge collection of simple, clear choices. This guide acts as a perfect synonym for boring, plain, or tired habits, so you can write with true style.

Professional Ways to Say Speed Up

Accelerate

Business folks love this one, especially when talking about growth or goals. It sounds smart, and it fits well when you mean making a process happen much faster than before. If you want a solid synonym for getting things done, this works great. It tells people that you mean business, and that you have a plan to reach the finish line, without any extra fuss or delay.

• We need to accelerate the project to meet our new deadline, so please focus.
• You should accelerate the timeline, because the client wants results by next Friday.
• They want to accelerate the growth of the company, and that takes hard work.
• Please accelerate the review process, as we are running out of time today.

Expedite

When you need to jump over a few steps, use this fancy but useful word. It means handling a task with care, but also with a lot of hurry. It is perfect for shipping, paperwork, or official forms. People use it to sound efficient, and it shows you value time. When you use this word, you tell others that the work is a top priority, right now.

• Please expedite the shipping process, because the customer needs the order by Monday.
• We must expedite the paperwork, if we want to get the permit approved quickly.
• You can expedite the delivery, and that will make the boss very happy indeed.
• They decided to expedite the payment, so the team gets paid on time today.

Fast Track

Imagine a train on a special lane that ignores all the slow traffic lights. That is exactly what this phrase means for your projects. You put the important stuff in the front, and you ignore the fluff. It is a very clear way to say that something is now the main focus, and it will happen much sooner than everyone expected.

• The team will fast track the new feature, so we can launch it soon.
• We decided to fast track the plan, because it is the most important task.
• You should fast track the approval, or we will miss the big event.
• They want to fast track the project, as the competition is getting closer now.

Advance

Sometimes you just need to move the needle, or push things forward. This word is great because it sounds calm, and steady, but still fast. It works when you want to show that you are making real progress. It is not about rushing like a crazy person, but about moving in the right direction, and getting closer to the goal with every single step.

• You need to advance the date, because the venue is booked for earlier.
• We will advance the schedule, so we can start the work before winter.
• Please advance the slides, as the audience is ready for the next part.
• They hope to advance the research, so we get results by next month.

Increase the Pace

This is a very simple way to tell people they are moving too slowly. It is clear, and it sounds like a coach talking to a player. You use this when the rhythm feels off, or when you know the group can do better. It works because nobody finds it confusing, and it gives a clear hint to do more, or move faster, today.

• We must increase the pace, if we want to finish before the sun sets.
• You should increase the pace, because the deadline is coming up very fast.
• They need to increase the pace, so the project stays on the track.
• Please increase the pace, as we have a lot of work left here.

Boost Output

This one is all about getting more done in the same amount of time. If you run a shop, or a factory, this is the word you pick. It sounds like you are adding power to a machine. It shows you want better results, and you are not afraid to ask for them. It is a very practical, and very common, business term.

• We need to boost output, because demand is higher than ever this year.
• You can boost output, by using the new machine during the night shift.
• They want to boost output, so they can sell more items to customers.
• Please boost output, as the store shelves are looking empty for shoppers now.

Gain Momentum

Think of a ball rolling down a hill, getting faster and faster. That is what this phrase feels like in your writing. It implies that you started, and now things are getting easier and quicker. It is a great way to say that success is coming, because you have the energy to keep going, and you are doing it fast.

• We started to gain momentum, and now the work feels much easier today.
• You will gain momentum, once you finish the first part of the task.
• They hope to gain momentum, so they can finish the project by noon.
• Please help us gain momentum, because we need a big win this week.

Step Up the Tempo

Music has a tempo, and so does your workday. Use this when things feel too sleepy, or slow. It is a bit playful, but still very clear. It sounds like you are turning up the music, and getting everyone to dance faster. It is a nice way to motivate people without being bossy, and it keeps the mood light, and quite fun.

• We need to step up the tempo, or we will never finish this.
• You should step up the tempo, because the show starts in five minutes.
• They decided to step up the tempo, as the end is finally near.
• Please step up the tempo, so we can go home early tonight, friends.

Hurry Things Along

This phrase is for when you are being polite but firm. It is perfect for a meeting that is dragging on for too long. You are not trying to be mean, you just want to reach the point. It is a friendly way to nudge the group toward the goal, without making anyone feel bad about the time spent so far.

• We should hurry things along, because we have another meeting at three.
• You can hurry things along, by skipping the long stories at the start.
• They had to hurry things along, so they could finish before the rain.
• Please hurry things along, as the guests are waiting for the food now.

Pick Up the Slack

When someone is slow, or things are stuck, you need to pull harder. This phrase means doing what is needed to make up for lost time. It is a very common way to say that you are taking charge, and making sure everything moves forward, even if you have to work a little bit harder to make that happen today.

• You need to pick up the slack, so we finish the job on time.
• We must pick up the slack, because the other team is falling behind.
• They helped us pick up the slack, and that saved the whole project.
• Please pick up the slack, as we need to move faster than before.

Casual Ways to Say Speed Up

Get a Move On

This is a classic phrase, and it is very fun to say. You use this with friends, or when you are in a silly mood. It sounds like a scene from an old movie. It is not for a formal letter, but it works perfectly when you are trying to get people out the door, and on your way to somewhere fun.

• You should get a move on, or we will miss the whole movie.
• We need to get a move on, so we can arrive before the sun.
• Please get a move on, as the bus is leaving in one minute.
• They had to get a move on, to reach the top of the hill.

Step on It

When you are driving, or just want someone to stop waiting around, this is the phrase. It is short, punchy, and very clear. It implies that you want someone to press the gas pedal, and go faster right now. It is a very common way to talk, especially when you feel like time is slipping away, and you want to catch up.

• You better step on it, or we will be late for the party.
• We need to step on it, so we can beat the traffic home today.
• Please step on it, as the store closes in just ten minutes now.
• They told him to step on it, because the game was almost over.

Put Some Pep in Your Step

This is a very cheerful way to ask for more speed. It sounds like a cheerleader, or a kind coach. You use this when you want to lift the mood, and get people moving without being grumpy. It is a nice way to say that you want things done, but you want everyone to have a good, energetic time while doing it.

• We need to put some pep in your step, if we want coffee.
• You should put some pep in your step, as the group is waiting.
• Please put some pep in your step, because we have a long walk.
• They need to put some pep in your step, so we finish early.

Shake a Leg

This sounds funny, but it is a very old and popular way to say hurry up. Your grandma probably said this all the time. It is perfect for when you are being playful, and you want to get someone out of a chair, or into a car, right away. It is light, warm, and everyone knows exactly what you mean.

• You need to shake a leg, or we will miss the train today.
• Please shake a leg, so we can get to the park by noon.
• We should shake a leg, because the weather is going to turn bad.
• They had to shake a leg, to finish the chores before the guests.

Hit the Gas

This phrase is borrowed from driving, but you can use it for anything. It means giving a project more power, or effort, right now. It is a great way to say that you want to go full speed, and you are not looking back. It sounds excited, and it shows that you have a lot of energy to finish what you started.

• You should hit the gas, if you want to win this race today.
• We need to hit the gas, because we have very little time left.
• Please hit the gas, as we want to get there before it gets dark.
• They decided to hit the gas, so they could finish the work fast.

Make It Snappy

If you want something done right now, and you want to be funny about it, use this. It implies you want it done with a snap of your fingers. It is quick, and it gets the job done without any long speeches. It is a favorite among people who like to get straight to the point, and stay very busy.

• You need to make it snappy, because we have no time to waste.
• Please make it snappy, as the food is getting cold on the table.
• We should make it snappy, so we can start the fun part soon.
• They need to make it snappy, because the boss is coming back now.

Don't Dilly-dally

This is a silly word, but it is very effective. It means stop wasting time looking at things you do not need to see. You say this when someone is wandering around, or looking at their phone, instead of doing the task at hand. It is a gentle way to keep someone focused, and it always makes people laugh a little bit.

• You should not dilly-dally, if you want to leave by five today.
• Please do not dilly-dally, because we have a lot of miles to go.
• We must not dilly-dally, as the store will be closed when we arrive.
• They told the kids not to dilly-dally, so they could start the game.

Get Cracking

This means start working hard, and start right now. It sounds like you are breaking open a nut, or starting something exciting. It is a very positive way to ask for speed. You use this when a group is ready to start a project, and you want to set a fast tone from the very first moment of the day.

• You need to get cracking, or we will be here all night long.
• We should get cracking, because the project is due in two days time.
• Please get cracking, as the team needs your help with the big task.
• They want to get cracking, so they can finish before the weekend starts.

Direct Ways to Say Speed Up

Do It Faster

This is the simplest way to say it, and sometimes simple is the best. There is no confusion here, and no big words. You use this when you want to be totally clear, and you do not care about being fancy. It is the perfect choice for when you are in a rush, and you need to get the message across in one second.

• You should do it faster, if you want to get the job done.
• Please do it faster, because we are way behind the planned schedule now.
• We have to do it faster, or we will miss our big chance.
• They need to do it faster, so the customer stays happy with us.

Increase the Speed

If you are talking about a machine, or a process, this is the right way to say it. It sounds technical, but it is very easy for anyone to understand. You use this when you are talking about settings, or physical limits. It is a very neutral term, and it works in almost any situation where you need more power.

• You need to increase the speed, because the conveyor belt is too slow.
• Please increase the speed, so the fans keep the room nice and cool.
• We must increase the speed, as the car is not going fast enough.
• They want to increase the speed, because the printer takes too long now.

Speed Things Up

This is the most common way to say the topic. You can use it in a meeting, at home, or with friends. It is the gold standard for being clear, and easy to understand. Everyone knows what this means, and it never sounds rude, or strange. It is a safe and reliable choice for almost any time you need more pace.

• We should speed things up, so we can finish our work by lunch.
• You need to speed things up, because the deadline is really close now.
• Please speed things up, as the guests are waiting for the show.
• They hope to speed things up, to save some time for later on.

Go Faster

This is very direct, and very short. You use this when you are in the middle of an action, like walking, or running, or driving. It is a command, but it is not a mean one. It is just a plain, helpful instruction for when someone else is holding back, and you want to push them forward a little bit.

• You should go faster, or you will never catch that blue bus.
• We need to go faster, because the trail is very long today.
• Please go faster, as I am worried we will be late again.
• They told the team to go faster, so they could win the game.

Run at a Higher Pace

This sounds a bit more formal, but it is still very clear. It works well if you are talking about a project that happens over a long time. It sounds like you are managing the situation, and you have a clear plan for how to move things along, and keep the team focused on the final goal.

• We need to run at a higher pace, to finish on schedule today.
• You should run at a higher pace, if you want to beat the clock.
• Please run at a higher pace, because we have a lot of items left.
• They decided to run at a higher pace, so the project moves along fast.

Work More Quickly

When you want to be polite, but still firm, use this. It implies you value the work, but you need the result sooner. It is a professional way to ask for more effort. You can use this with a coworker, or an employee, and it will always come across as a fair, and quite reasonable, request to make.

• You need to work more quickly, if we want to finish by tonight.
• Please work more quickly, as we have another task waiting for us here.
• We must work more quickly, because the deadline is in one hour now.
• They learned to work more quickly, so they could leave work on time.

Pick Up the Pace

This is the most popular way to say the topic in a group setting. It sounds like a natural part of any conversation, and it is very effective. It gives a clear sense of rhythm, and it helps everyone align their speed with the group. It is the perfect phrase for when you are leading a team, and you want results.

• You should pick up the pace, or we will not finish in time.
• We need to pick up the pace, because the boss wants the report soon.
• Please pick up the pace, as we have to leave in ten minutes.
• They had to pick up the pace, so they could catch the early train.

Don’t Slow Down

Sometimes, you just want to keep the good energy going. You use this when things are already moving well, and you want to make sure they stay that way. It is a positive way to say keep going, keep working, and keep moving fast. It is a great way to show support for the hard work already done.

• You should not slow down, because you are doing a great job today.
• We must not slow down, so we stay ahead of the other team now.
• Please do not slow down, as we are almost at the finish line.
• They told them not to slow down, and they finished the race fast.

Keep the Pedal Down

This is a fun way to say maintain your high speed. It suggests that you are driving a car, and you are keeping it at a top speed. It is a great metaphor for staying focused, and working hard, until the job is done. It sounds very determined, and it is a great way to encourage yourself, or others, to stay quick.

• You need to keep the pedal down, to finish this big project today.
• We should keep the pedal down, so we do not lose our advantage now.
• Please keep the pedal down, because we want to arrive very early.
• They decided to keep the pedal down, until they saw the final goal.

Descriptive Ways to Say Speed Up

Put It in High Gear

This phrase makes people think of a car, and moving from a slow crawl to a fast cruise. It is a very visual way to describe making a change in how fast you work. It implies that you are switching to your best effort, and using all your skills to get the job done very fast today.

• You need to put it in high gear, to finish this by noon.
• We should put it in high gear, because the client is waiting now.
• Please put it in high gear, as we have so much to do.
• They wanted to put it in high gear, to impress the big boss.

Turn Up the Heat

When you want to create a sense of urgency, this is the perfect idiom. It sounds like you are cooking something, and you want it to cook faster. It is a very common way to describe adding pressure to a situation, and it tells people that it is time to move, and move very quickly indeed.

• You need to turn up the heat, to get this done by five.
• We must turn up the heat, because the deadline is coming so fast.
• Please turn up the heat, as we need to see some real results.
• They decided to turn up the heat, so they could finish the work.

Open the Throttle

This is a very cool, and slightly fancy, way to say go full speed. It is used in planes and fast cars. When you say this, you sound like you are in total control, and you have a lot of power to use. It is a great phrase for when you are finally allowed to work as fast as you can.

• You should open the throttle, if you want to win this challenge now.
• We need to open the throttle, because we are way behind the schedule.
• Please open the throttle, as the road is clear for us to drive.
• They had to open the throttle, to arrive before the doors closed shut.

Shift Into a Higher Gear

Similar to putting it in high gear, this is about moving up the ladder of speed. It suggests that you were working at one level, and now you are ready for a faster, and more serious, level of work. It is a very professional, and clear, way to describe a change in how you handle your tasks.

• You need to shift into a higher gear, so we can finish on time.
• We will shift into a higher gear, because the project needs more speed.
• Please shift into a higher gear, as the end is near for us.
• They tried to shift into a higher gear, to get the work done fast.

Make Haste

This sounds a bit old, but it is still very clear and very polite. It is a classic way to say move quickly. You might hear this in a story, or when someone is trying to be very formal. It is a nice way to add a bit of variety to your speech, and it sounds quite elegant, and very smart.

• You should make haste, because the train will leave very soon indeed.
• Please make haste, as the guests will be arriving in a few moments.
• We must make haste, so we can get home before the big storm.
• They decided to make haste, to finish the job before the night fell.

Put Some Fire Under It

This is a bit dramatic, and that is why it is so fun. It means you are adding a lot of energy to something that was just sitting there. You use this when you need a project to wake up, and really start moving, because it has been sleeping for way too long. It is a very expressive way to talk.

• You need to put some fire under it, so we see results today.
• We should put some fire under it, because the client is very impatient.
• Please put some fire under it, as we have no time to wait.
• They need to put some fire under it, to finish the work right now.

Short Ways to Say Speed Up

Hurry

This is the shortest, and the most common, way to say the topic. You use this when you are in a real hurry, and you have no time for long words. It is simple, it is direct, and everyone understands it immediately. It is the best word to keep in your back pocket for those times when you are truly busy.

• You should hurry, because the movie is going to start right now.
• Please hurry, as I do not want to be late for school today.
• We must hurry, or we will miss our chance to get the tickets.
• They had to hurry, because the store was closing in one minute.

Rush

Sometimes you have to do things in a rush. This word describes both the action of going fast, and the feeling of having to do it. It is very useful, and very common. You can use it in a sentence to explain why you are doing something so quickly, and why you do not have much time.

• You should not rush, because you might make a small mistake today.
• We had to rush, to get to the airport before the plane left.
• Please do not rush, as we have plenty of time left to work.
• They had to rush, so they could finish the report by the deadline.

Fly

When you are moving really fast, you say you are flying. It is a great way to say that you are making quick progress. It is not just about speed, it is about ease and grace too. It sounds like you are having a good time, and you are getting a lot done, while you are moving.

• You are flying through this work, and I am very impressed by you.
• We are flying today, so we will finish the task way ahead time.
• Please keep flying, because the pace is just perfect for the team now.
• They were flying through the list, and they finished all the chores fast.

Dash

This is a quick, short movement. You dash to the store, or you dash to the finish line. It is a great way to describe a short burst of speed. It sounds active, and it is a lovely word to use when you want to show that you are energetic, and always on the move, during your busy day.

• You should dash to the car, because it is starting to rain now.
• We had to dash to the office, as the meeting started early today.
• Please dash to the store, because we need milk for the morning tea.
• They had to dash, so they could catch the train at the station.

Sprint

This is for when you go as fast as you can. It is a burst of high energy. You use this when you are working on a project that needs a huge effort for a short time. It is a very strong, and very clear, way to describe your speed, and your total commitment to the goal.

• You need to sprint to the finish, so you can win the prize.
• We will sprint through these last pages, and then we are all done.
• Please sprint to the door, because the delivery guy is waiting for us.
• They had to sprint, so they could arrive at the meeting on time.

Zoom

This word sounds like what it means. It is fast, and it has a bit of a sound to it. You use this when you are talking about something moving quickly, like a car, or a person who is very busy. It is a playful and fun way to say that everything is moving along quite quickly today.

• You zoom through your work, and you always get it done on time.
• We zoom around the city, trying to find all the shops we need.
• Please zoom to the kitchen, and get the plates for the big dinner.
• They zoom past us, because they are in such a big rush today.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Match the Setting

You should always think about where you are when you choose your words. A formal office needs professional terms, while a chat with friends allows for fun, casual slang. Using the right tone shows that you know how to talk well.

Think About the Reader

Consider who will hear or read your message before you pick a phrase. If you are writing to a busy boss, stay clear and direct. When talking to a kid or a buddy, feel free to use more playful, descriptive, and fun language.

Keep It Short When Unsure

If you are worried about sounding too fancy or too simple, just go for the most direct choice. Simple words that mean speed are often the most effective way to get people moving, as they leave no room for any confusion at all.

Say It Out Loud

Try saying your chosen phrase out loud to see how it feels in your mouth. If it sounds natural and easy, keep it. If it feels clunky or strange, pick a different one from the list, because natural flow is the most important thing.

Watch the Tone

Keep the energy of your sentence in mind. Does it need to sound like a command, or a friendly nudge? Words in different languages or funny idioms can change the vibe, so pick one that matches the mood of your overall message.

Always remember that the best way to say something is the one that your reader will understand the quickest, so keep it clear, simple, and friendly, and you will do great.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you find the perfect way to express yourself. Choosing other ways to say speed up is a great way to keep your writing feeling fresh, and very exciting for anyone reading it. Another word for getting things done is simply moving forward, so pick the phrase that fits your own unique style the best.