swiftness

noun

swift·ness | \ ˈswif(t)-nəs

How to pronounce swiftness (audio)

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Definition of swiftness

1 : the quality or state of being swift : celerity

2 : the fact of being swift

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about swiftness

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Examples of swiftness in a Sentence

with amazing swiftness, the airline agent got our ticket changed, and we boarded the plane just as it was about to leave

Recent Examples on the Web

Queenie wades the stream first, paddles across barking complaints at the swiftness of the current, the pneumonia-making coldness of it. . . — Danny Heitman, WSJ, "An Ode to Holiday Companionship," 21 Dec. 2018 But other investors’ anxieties have already reached a fever pitch, as the swiftness of this week’s pullback has rekindled fears of the 2008 financial crisis and the dot-com bubble in 2000. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "U.S. Stocks Slump on Tech Worries," 26 Oct. 2018 The swiftness of the agricultural revolution makes the interaction at Iron Gates all the more interesting. — Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, "When Farmers and Foragers First Met," 24 Oct. 2018 But the swiftness of trials—and death sentences—has shocked human-rights groups like Amnesty International. — Sophia Jones, Marie Claire, "The Truth About The Wives of ISIS," 4 Oct. 2018 The swiftness with which Facebook and YouTube cast out Alex Jones does not indicate responsible moderation, and certainly is not a display of thoughtful moral leadership. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Apple crushed Alex Jones — then tossed him a lifeline," 8 Aug. 2018 The Orioles aren’t known for their swiftness in making any move. — Eduardo A. Encina, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles hope to move Manny Machado soon, but market doesn't seem to be budging," 6 July 2018 Armed with his weapon of choice, a ball-peen hammer, Joe gets the job done with a swiftness and efficiency that find an echo in Ramsay's filmmaking. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Joaquin Phoenix descends into a hellish New York underworld in the haunting 'You Were Never Really Here'," 5 Apr. 2018 The social realignments of middle school can happen with stunning swiftness. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: You Know She Should Be Glad," 22 June 2018

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

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The first known use of swiftness was before the 12th century

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