swift

adjective

\ ˈswift

Definition of swift

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : moving or capable of moving with great speed a swift runner

2 : occurring suddenly or within a very short time a swift transition

3 : quick to respond : ready

swift

adverb

Definition of swift (Entry 2 of 5)

: swiftly swift-flowing

swift

noun

Definition of swift (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : any of several lizards (especially of the genus Sceloporus) that run swiftly

2 : a reel for winding yarn or thread

3 : any of numerous small plainly colored birds (family Apodidae) that are related to the hummingbirds but superficially much resemble swallows

Swift

biographical name (1)

\ ˈswift

Definition of Swift (Entry 4 of 5)

Gustavus Franklin 1839–1903 American meatpacker

Swift

biographical name (2)

Definition of Swift (Entry 5 of 5)

Jonathan 1667–1745 English (Irish-born) satirist

Other Words from swift Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about swift

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Choose the Right Synonym for swift

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 swift in a Sentence

Adjective

a swift and accurate response the sleekest, swiftest boat ever to have sailed in the regatta

Adverb

tried to cross the swift-flowing river

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Skeptical, Colbert was pleasantly surprised by the acting legend’s swift response. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, "Meryl Streep Gets Candid Over Cocktails With Stephen Colbert at the Montclair Film Fundraiser," 3 Dec. 2018 Grateful for swift response of @SecretService, @FBI & local law enforcement. — Stavros Agorakis, Vox, "“Violence is never OK”: political leaders respond to bomb threats against Obamas, Clintons," 24 Oct. 2018 In Iraq, many of the women who once lived among them face swift trials and death sentences on charges of supporting the Islamic State. — Ben Hubbard, New York Times, "Wives and Children of ISIS: Warehoused in Syria, Unwanted Back Home," 4 July 2018 After a swift trial, he was sentenced to five years in a military prison. — The Economist, "Egypt’s bumbling police get their man, at least on television," 31 May 2018 In contrast, Iraqi courts have sentenced hundreds of IS suspects to death in swift trials, and even tangential links to the militant group are punished by sentenced of 15 years or life. — Sarah El Deeb, Fox News, "Syria's Kurds put IS on trial with focus on reconciliation," 8 May 2018 The announcement was met with swift criticism from lawmakers in both parties. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "Trump to Sign Spending Deal, Declare National Emergency," 15 Feb. 2019 Officials are hoping that the swift work prevents any heavy rain from causing further flooding. — Sarah Meehan, baltimoresun.com, "Ellicott City braces for more rain following Sunday's flood," 31 May 2018 The very structure of the wrap dress simultaneously offered businesslike assertiveness to the wearer and, to the observer, the sly promise that it could be removed with one swift tug. — Alex Kuczynski, Town & Country, "Diane and Talita von Furstenberg Turn an American Empire into a Family Dynasty," 7 Feb. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But under the surface there is a titanic struggle between the swift moving current in the channel and the ships’ engines. — Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "America's New Energy Coast," 19 Mar. 2019 Law and policy support such revocations, but as the swift and negative reaction in Washington showed, the president must take a nuanced approach. — Sean Bigley, WSJ, "Trump Is Right About Clearances," 29 July 2018 On his watch, the Cold War ended, and the nation and its allies achieved a swift and crushing victory over Iraq in the Persian Gulf War — before a faltering economy largely doomed his reelection prospects. — Lois Romano, Washington Post, "Barbara Bush, matriarch of American political dynasty, dies at 92," 17 Apr. 2018 Some consider the halal method of killing animals, which involves a prayer and swift, deep incision of the neck, to be more humane, though some animal welfare groups say animals should be stunned before slaughter. — Greg Trotter, chicagotribune.com, "Amid growing interest in halal food, Navy Pier festival to celebrate Muslim lifestyle," 12 Apr. 2018 By using a tire, Brad manages to keep the log firmly in place, making the whole process as swift as slicing into an apple pie. — Diana Bruk, Country Living, "This Simple Wood-Chopping Trick Is Absolutely Brilliant," 10 June 2015 As a composer and bassist, Linda May Han Oh is always trying to maintain a swift and multidirectional motion without sacrificing clarity or precision. — Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, "Live Jazz: 5 April Standouts, From Andrew Cyrille to Linda May Han Oh," 2 May 2018 Buzz: Dynamic skater and puck carrier who makes a swift first pass. — Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Red Wings options with sixth overall pick in 2018 NHL draft," 29 Apr. 2018 The group demanded a swift and independent investigation of cases in which journalists have been targeted. — Ashok Sharma, Fox News, "Media watchdog urges India to protect journalists," 4 July 2018

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