ASAP
Without any delay
ASAP stands for "as soon as possible," used to convey urgency in requests or instructions: Please send me the report ASAP.
It appears constantly in workplace communication, military contexts, and everyday speech.
Some pronounce it letter by letter, others as a two-syllable word.
The phrase has become so common that ASAP functions almost as an adverb meaning "immediately" or "urgently." (Lowercase asap is the casual variant.)
Speed up a process
- accelerateIncrease in velocity
- swiftMoving with speed
- speedyCharacterized by quickness
- quickMoving with speed
rapid · hurry · rush · prompt · instantaneous · immediate · hasty · brisk
Needing immediate attention
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- direExtremely serious or urgent
desperate · exigent · imperative · compelling · high-stakes · life-or-death · pivotal · crisis
Requiring prompt action
- dueOwed or expected
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- crunch-timeHigh-pressure deadline period
- last-minuteJust before deadline
Most important matter
- precedenceSuperior rank or importance
- firstPosition number one
- foremostHighest in importance
- escalateIncrease in severity
expedite
Speed up a process
- accelerateIncrease in velocity
- swiftMoving with speed
- speedyCharacterized by quickness
quick · rapid · hurry · rush · prompt · instantaneous · immediate · hasty · brisk · snappy
urgent
Needing immediate attention
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
dire · desperate · exigent · imperative · compelling · high-stakes · life-or-death · pivotal · crisis · rush
time-sensitive
Requiring prompt action
- dueOwed or expected
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- crunch-timeHigh-pressure deadline period
last-minute · cutoff · EOD
top-priority
Most important matter
- precedenceSuperior rank or importance
- firstPosition number one
- foremostHighest in importance
escalate · fast-track · VIP · non-negotiable
- abbreviationsMr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, Jr
- scheduling termsappointment, meeting, booking, reservation, session
- Speed Expressionsin a flash, in no time, lickety-split, lickety split, like lightning
- Symbols and Abbreviationsabbreviation, acronym, shorthand, initialism, contraction
- Work JargonFYI, EOD, synergy, deliverable, deliverables
- Business AcronymsSKU, UPC, CEO, COO, POS
ASAPlow priority
Not requiring immediate attention
back burner · non-essential · non-urgent · optional · secondary