rapid

adjective

rap·id | \ˈra-pəd

Definition of rapid

(Entry 1 of 2)

: marked by a fast rate of motion, activity, succession, or occurrence

rapid

noun

Definition of rapid (Entry 2 of 2)

: a part of a river where the current is fast and the surface is usually broken by obstructions —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

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Choose the Right Synonym for rapid

Adjective

fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves fast horses and rapid to the movement itself. rapid current swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement. returned the ball with one swift stroke fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness. fleet runners quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time. a quick wit speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment speedy delivery of mail and may also suggest unusual velocity. hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness. a hasty inspection expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment. the expeditious handling of an order

Examples of rapid in a Sentence

Adjective

There's been rapid growth in the number of new businesses in the town. Scientists are concerned about the rapid disappearance of the island's coral reefs. She carefully guided the boat through the rapid water.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Thousands of defendants are pushed through the courts at a rapid clip, with individual trials as short as 10 or 15 minutes and a third of the cases ending in the death penalty. — Hamza Hendawi, Fox News, "A neighbor's word can bring death sentence in Iraq IS trials," 9 July 2018 The industry’s argument for dropping the leasing rule is that residential CLECs are an insignificant part of the business now and are shrinking at a rapid clip. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Sonic is a small ISP that competes brilliantly with the big guys — so they're trying to throttle its business," 5 July 2018 While renewable energy sources like wind and solar will continue to rise as rapid rates, the growth will continue to require large volumes of crude oil, natural gas and even coal. — Jordan Blum, Houston Chronicle, "U.S. oil production grows, but China, India will drive global demand," 19 June 2018 That was reinforced Friday by data that showed the U.S. continued to add jobs at a rapid clip. — Ben Eisen, WSJ, "Global Economic-Growth Story Fades, Dimming Market Optimism," 3 June 2018 Signs of a marijuana overdose could include a rapid heart rate, hallucinations, vomiting, panic attacks and paranoia. — Everton Bailey Jr., OregonLive.com, "Oregon mom cited after toddler overdoses on marijuana-infused candy," 31 May 2018 The writing is alternately wry and outlandish, delivering jokes and sight gags at a rapid clip. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Arrested Development' returns with more dysfunctional fun," 22 May 2018 The loss of roseau will speed an already rapid rate of erosion, imperiling coastal communities, bird and fish habitat and shipping channels. — Tristan Baurick, NOLA.com, "Fight against Louisiana's wetland plague getting $1 million boost," 16 May 2018 One moment the character, and the film, are actively surprising the audience, squeezing out laughs at a rapid clip. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "Deadpool 2 proves the first movie was no fluke," 15 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Authorities say Mario Benassi, 23, was swimming with a group of friends in the rapids about 300 feet downstream from the South Fork Bridge, over which Highway 49 runs. — Jordan Cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "Yuba River rapids take another life near Highway 49," 27 June 2018 The scariest thing about whitewater rafting isn't actually going through rapids. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Whitewater rafting on the Wolf River is a wild thrill," 14 June 2018 Powerful rapids, boiling eddies, and rocks and drops requiring significant maneuvering, all without having to travel to the Rockies. — Carla Minsky, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wetsuits, Whitewater and the Whoosh of Spring," 13 Apr. 2018 Fishing, kayaking, hiking Lees Ferry offers access to a 14-mile stretch of calm water before the river descends through its famous rapids. — Scott Craven, azcentral, "Lees Ferry: Gateway to Grand Canyon rafting and the Colorado River," 9 July 2018 On May 27, a deluge dumped more than 6 inches of rain in less than three hours on Ellicott City, Maryland, killing one person and transforming Main Street into what looked like Class V river rapids, with cars tossed about like rubber ducks. — Bill Gourgey, WIRED, "How Artificial Intelligence Could Prevent Natural Disasters," 10 July 2018 Experts use whitewater-specific rafts to kayak rapids that can’t be reached by truck. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "3 Alternative Ways To Go Camping," 28 June 2018 Part of the experience will also be some of the extras, like riders admiring a flock of up to 25 flamingoes — a peaceful moment before the journey through water rapids begins. — Gabrielle Russon, OrlandoSentinel.com, "SeaWorld: Summer clock ticking but still no Infinity Falls open date," 20 June 2018 Two days’ rafting on the river will encounter relatively mild Class I and II rapids. — Phil Marty, chicagotribune.com, "'Southwest Sampler' packs a lot of adventure into short amount of time," 12 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rapid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.