fast 1 of 4

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fast

2 of 4

adjective

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2
3
4
5
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion as the storm approached, we checked to see that every thing on the outside of the house was fast and locked in position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind I don't know how to operate this machine, but I'm a fast learner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fast

3 of 4

noun

fast

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verb

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a fast response
a quick response
a timely response
a speedy response
a rapid response
a same-day response
a fast pace
an accelerated pace
a swift pace
a rapid pace
a quick pace
a frantic pace
a fast track
a focused track
an expeditious track
a quick track
a rapid track
an advanced track
a fast service
a quick-response service
an efficient service
a prompt service
an instant service
a timely service
a fast growth
a rapid growth
a drastic growth
a swift growth
a sharp growth
a strong growth

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fast contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fast are expeditious, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words 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

When can expeditious be used instead of fast?

The words expeditious and fast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

When is it sensible to use fleet instead of fast?

While the synonyms fleet and fast are close in meaning, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of fast?

Although the words hasty and fast have much in common, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fast?

In some situations, the words quick and fast are roughly equivalent. However, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When might rapid be a better fit than fast?

The meanings of rapid and fast largely overlap; however, rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When is speedy a more appropriate choice than fast?

The words speedy and fast can be used in similar contexts, but speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When could swift be used to replace fast?

While in some cases nearly identical to fast, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fast
Adverb
Look for sales: Start at the sales rack With summer fast approaching, retailers are likely to advertise Memorial Day sales. Julia Doyle, CBS News, 13 May 2025 During the fast, Target’s stock prices have sunk, seeing its biggest drop in four years at $88.73 per share in the beginning of April, from $266.38 a share in November 2021. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Erica When her baby was 10 months old, Erica stopped breastfeeding and began fasting. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 After 12 months, the people who got hookworms had lower insulin resistance and reduced fasting blood sugar levels. Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Noun
Signs that smart leaders know: a world where customers demand sustainable products is fast approaching. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 But this woody vine can escape the arbor and head up a tree faster than a squirrel with a dachshund on its trail. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Verb
There's no denying annual smartphone releases have settled into a routine—flat glass slabs with slightly faster processors and better cameras. ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025 The fast food chain has introduced several items as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the McMuffin. Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • The Champagne Bar is a more casual outpost, although still quite lavish (it’s called the Champagne Bar, after all).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • Not every rivalry works for both parties quite like this.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But without affordable renewables (or rapid breakthroughs in nuclear fusion) the electricity to feed all those AI data centers may not arrive in time.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • With the end of military restrictions on building came rapid expansion into working-class districts.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • He’s still got the voice, though a bit gravely, and a very loyal fan base.
    jsonline.com, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • After spending years in Mercedes's developmental program, Russell is committed to remaining loyal, but time will tell if the team reciprocates his faith.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Panda flipped this model, embedding itself directly in the grower network and building tight, regional supply chains.
    Kasi Martin, Sourcing Journal, 9 July 2025
  • Rodman pulled her hair back into a tight bun and accessorized with delicate pieces of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets and rings.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The suit alleges excessive fees resulting in high annual percentage rates, deceptive tipping practices and misleading consumers about the voluntary nature of fees.
    AJ Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Mayes seeks to dissolve both companies, citing violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and deceptive practices targeting underage customers.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • Photograph: Kat Merck AmazonBasics Small Packing Cubes for Travel, 4-Piece-Set $20 $14 (30% off) Amazon Not quite as compressive as our top pick, these Amazon Basics cubes offer sturdy mesh windows and durable fabric—a budget-friendly intro to packing cubes.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • For beginners, Bravo recommends starting with short sessions and using a handle for support while your body adapts.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Last season, Kawamura was the shortest player in the NBA at 5-foot-8.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Add the rum, lime juice and ice, give it a quick shake, then strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • In recent years, partly due to social media, where content tagged #ADHD has hundreds of millions of views, more women are being diagnosed in their own right, though experts caution against using social media or any sort of quick questionnaire to diagnose oneself.
    Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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