rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r 

1

: firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession

2

: marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness

a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery

Synonyms of rapid-fire

• rapid
• brisk
• quick
• fast
• galloping

Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning

Recent Examples on the Web

These communities can develop strong emotional investment, sometimes bordering on obsession, and shape online culture through in-jokes and rapid-fire discourse. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Also, the sheer number of perspectives shared in these rapid-fire videos was overwhelming. —Lindsay Lowe, Parents, 8 Nov. 2025

He’s cultivated a large online following, hosts a podcast that amplifies his policy message, and posts Trump-style memes and rapid-fire videos that mock conservative governors and highlight California’s progressive policies. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025

In rapid-fire fashion, the 42-year-old Ellison has become show business’ ultimate disruptor. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapid-fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

Kids Definition

rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire

ˌrap-əd-ˈfī(ə)r

1

: able to fire shots rapidly

a rapid-fire weapon

2

: marked by a rapid rate or pace

spoke rapid-fire Spanish