Definition of RAPIDLY

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

That rapid expansion should have caused the Universe to ring like a bell, generating large gravitational waves. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Inflation theories must dig deeper to avoid collision with data," 6 Dec. 2018 The Inland Empire is far from alone in feeling the effects of this industry’s rapid expansion. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Your online shopping is polluting this small town," 20 Nov. 2018 The first is the herbal supplement boom, a $49 billion-a-year industry that has seen rapid expansion since about 2010. — Dan Nosowitz, Vox, "The super-popular cannabis compound, explained.," 1 Nov. 2018 While the nuclear deal still holds today, Iran may choose to abandon it and begin a rapid expansion of its uranium enrichment as a result. — Jon Gambrell, Fox News, "AP Analysis: Yemen rebel threats to Dubai show danger looms," 31 Aug. 2018 Retailers and manufacturers are trying to position goods closer to customers without getting locked into long-term contracts or multiyear leases when rapid changes in buying patterns and trade conditions have made forecasting demand more difficult. — Jennifer Smith, WSJ, "On-Demand Warehouse Space Gains Traction in Tight Real-Estate Market," 23 Dec. 2018 The most serious potential complication is a disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD) that can cause involuntary movement of the eyes, face, and hands, facial grimacing, rapid eye blinking, and piano playing-like finger movement. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "9 Things You Should Know About Taking Antipsychotic Drugs," 7 Dec. 2018 Then inflation ensured that expansion was so rapid that there was no time to accumulate temperature differences. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Inflation theories must dig deeper to avoid collision with data," 6 Dec. 2018 The rapid growth is a testament to how algorithms and big data can quickly improve genetic science. — Dieter Holger, PCWorld, "DNA testing for ancestry is more detailed for white people. Here’s why, and how it's changing," 4 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In 4th was Nakamura, who had improved his standing from the rapids with his blitz play, but just not enough. — Chris Chase, BostonGlobe.com, "Chess notes," 23 June 2018 The headwaters park is a magnet for rafters and kayakers, with rapids rated from easy to extremely difficult. — Dan Elliott, chicagotribune.com, "Whitewater river in Colorado a bright spot amid grim drought," 21 May 2018 The New River in West Virginia strings together a series of incredible rapids. — Peter Reese, Popular Mechanics, "Five Things to Know Before Running a Wild River," 11 Aug. 2017 Options range from an intro 3-mile float from Coloma to Lotus up to a 20-mile Class III ride over 20 named rapids from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls — and quite a few in between. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Sunday getaway to Coloma," 1 July 2018 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

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.