What Does “ASAP” Mean and What Synonyms Can You Use Instead?

Published on June 12, 2025 by Gina Rancaño, BA

ASAP stands for “as soon as possible.” It is common in spoken English and informal writing, but would be unusual in formal outward-facing written English. There are many different ways of saying the same thing (e.g., a synonym you can use instead is without further delay.)

What Does “ASAP” Mean?
Formal Synonyms for “ASAP”
Perfect Your Writing ASAP

What Does “ASAP” Mean?

ASAP is a commonly used acronym that stands for “as soon as possible.” When someone says they need something done ASAP, they are conveying a sense of urgency and requesting that the task be completed without unnecessary delay.

People often pronounce each word of the acronym ASAP when making a request. But it’s also typical to say the individual letters (A-S-A-P), or the acronym as a whole word (AY-SAP). All three ways are acceptable.

Please complete that report as soon as possible.

Please complete that report A-S-A-P.

Please complete that report ASAP.

ASAP is a frequently used expression that’s especially popular in business communication. However, some people worry that using this acronym may come off as too abrupt and demanding. If you’re looking for another way to say as soon as possible without sacrificing professionalism or the significance of timeliness, try using any of the alternatives below. You can also try our Paraphrase Tool to find even more alternatives.

Graphics reads "ASAP" means as soon as possible. Clock with lines depicting speed in the lower right-hand side. — “ASAP” is commonly used in formal and casual situations.

Formal Synonyms for “ASAP”

1. Urgently

Urgently is an adverb that means “in a way that necessitates immediate action or attention.” Put simply, if you require something completed with a sense of urgency, then you’d make the request by using the word urgently.

I need the presentation urgently because the clients will be here in one hour.

2. Promptly

Promptly is an adverb that means “without delay” and indicates the expectation for a quick response or action.

Tell her we’ll correct the errors promptly.

3. With utmost priority

With utmost priority indicates that the requested task must be prioritized and completed as quickly as possible.

Please deal with the customer complaint with utmost priority.

4. In a timely manner

In a timely manner is a phrase that refers to completing a task “within the required timeframe”.

I appreciate you replying to me in a timely manner.

5. Expeditiously

Expeditiously is an adverb that means “with speed and efficiency.” It’s synonymous with quickly, but carries a more formal tone.

It is imperative that you handle the request expeditiously to ensure high-quality customer service.

6. Immediately

This synonym leaves no room for misinterpretation. If you expect something done immediately, that means you need it “right away”.

Please respond to the email immediately to inform the team whether you’ll be joining the team event.

7. Without further delay

Without further delay is another professional alternative to as soon as possible. It expresses the need for an immediate action.

Please provide the requested documents without further delay so that we can forward them to the appropriate department.

8. Quickly

Short and to the point, quickly serves as an alternative to as soon as possible, and expresses the same sentiment—you expect action and attention “without any unnecessary wait time”.

Those tasks need to be done quickly so that we can move on to the next phase of the project.

9. At your earliest convenience

At your earliest convenience is a phrase that can be used in place of as soon as possible, but be warned that it does allow for some flexibility.

Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you’ll be attending the convention.

Are There Casual Synonyms I Can Use Instead of “ASAP”?

ASAP is a versatile expression in the sense that it can be used in both professional and casual settings. However, if you’re looking for a more colloquial alternative, there are a few options to choose from, including in a jiffy, right away, pronto, on the double, or in a hurry.

I’ll get that done in a jiffy.
Moises said he would start on that right away.
That assignment must be completed pronto.
Let’s get that done on the double.
Can you please pick up the package in a hurry?

To ensure you’re using these and other expressions correctly, try our Grammar Check tool.

Perfect Your Writing ASAP

Again, ASAP is frequently used in business emails and is completely appropriate. The synonyms listed above are useful if you want a more polite yet professional alternative, or if you simply want to expand your vocabulary.

When time is of the essence, LanguageTool—an advanced writing assistant—can ensure the highest quality of your written content by providing suitable wording regardless of the nature of your text. With writing goals, you can even customize your experience by selecting the specific document category you’re working on.

LanguageTool supports over thirty languages, meaning anyone can write professionally, creatively, and flawlessly. Try it out today!

Please reply at your earliest convinience. Thank you.

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.

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