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

But many homeowners didn’t know just how vulnerable their homes were, because flood risk maps don’t reflect the rapid changes taking place along our coastlines. — Sophie Kasakove, The New Republic, "New York’s Invisible Climate Migrants," 11 July 2019 After a halfway break, DeCarlo resumed command on the restart and set a rapid pace during the second half of the race. — Antioch Speedway, The Mercury News, "Antioch Speedway: DeCarlo has strong finish in Firecracker 50," 4 July 2019 Chemical analysis of this outer layer revealed high levels of iron oxide, indicating a rapid change in the statue’s environment. — The Economist, "Buried metal artefacts gather stories on their surfaces," 4 July 2019 Rick Wilking/Reuters America’s coal-burning power plants are shutting down at a rapid pace, forcing electric utilities to face the next big climate question: Embrace natural gas, or shift aggressively to renewable energy? — New York Times, "As Coal Fades in the U.S., Natural Gas Becomes the Climate Battleground," 26 June 2019 Boehm explained that in a sea lion, or any mammal, including humans, the toxin mimics a neurotransmitter, latching onto neurons and causing them to fire at a rapid pace that can cause seizures and abnormal behavior. — Alexa Díaz, latimes.com, "A sea lion bit a girl at Pismo Beach in a rare attack. Poisonous algae may be to blame," 21 June 2019 The rapid pace of environmental change, however, is testing the sensory resilience of fish as never before. — Elizabeth Preston, Science | AAAS, "A growing sensory smog threatens the ability of fish to communicate, navigate, and survive," 20 June 2019 While that isn’t true — the record holder is Richard Nixon, who appeared there 55 times — Trump is accumulating covers at a rapid pace. — Edward Felsenthal, Time, "The Story Behind President Donald Trump's 29th TIME Cover," 20 June 2019 Habitat is able to host simulated environments where AI can learn navigational skills at a rapid pace. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Facebook is teaching AI how to best navigate your home," 18 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The rapids above the falls reach a maximum speed of 25 mph, while the fastest speeds — 68 mph — occur at the falls themselves. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Man Survives with Non-Life Threatening Injuries After Being Swept Over Niagara Falls," 9 July 2019 Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular beyond the rapids. — Erin E. Williams, Dallas News, "Stunning vistas, modern museums and great food make Reno a solid bet," 2 July 2019 As the tide goes out, the rapids flow in the opposite direction. — Walter Nicklin, Washington Post, "For a real taste of Midcoast Maine as it was — and should be — head to Damariscotta," 27 June 2019 Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular beyond the rapids. — Erin E. Williams, Twin Cities, "Stunning vistas, modern museums, quirky shops make Reno a favorite for tourists," 22 June 2019 The roaring rapids can be heard throughout, and all sites are wooded with ample privacy. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "12 places to camp along water in Wisconsin," 12 Apr. 2018 Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular beyond the rapids. — Washington Post, "Why you should visit Columbus, Ohio," 13 June 2019 With scenic bike paths, whitewater rapids and countless peaks to summit, Colorado is known for adventure. — Monica Parpal Stockbridge, The Know, "5 summer adventures crafted around craft beer," 12 June 2019 The rocky portages around the rapids—sometimes as high as 6,000 feet—were strewn with moss and ferns made treacherously slick by the whitewater mist, and often took all day. — Rinker Buck, WSJ, "Venturing Into the Great Northwest," 9 Mar. 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.