fleet 1 of 2

Definition of fleetnext
as in convoy
a group of vehicles traveling together or under one management a fleet of buses rolling down the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fleet

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fleet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fleet are expeditious, fast, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

When could expeditious be used to replace fleet?

In some situations, the words expeditious and fleet are roughly equivalent. However, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related as synonyms of fleet?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When is it sensible to use hasty instead of fleet?

While in some cases nearly identical to fleet, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fleet?

The meanings of quick and fleet largely overlap; however, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of fleet?

The synonyms rapid and fleet are sometimes interchangeable, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

In what contexts can speedy take the place of fleet?

Although the words speedy and fleet have much in common, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

Where would swift be a reasonable alternative to fleet?

The words swift and fleet can be used in similar contexts, but swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

How does the adjective fleet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fleet are expeditious, fast, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

When could expeditious be used to replace fleet?

In some situations, the words expeditious and fleet are roughly equivalent. However, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related as synonyms of fleet?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When is it sensible to use hasty instead of fleet?

While in some cases nearly identical to fleet, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fleet?

The meanings of quick and fleet largely overlap; however, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of fleet?

The synonyms rapid and fleet are sometimes interchangeable, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

In what contexts can speedy take the place of fleet?

Although the words speedy and fleet have much in common, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

Where would swift be a reasonable alternative to fleet?

The words swift and fleet can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fleet
Noun
Whitemyer wrote in an email that the city will soon convert to an electric fleet to comply with state emissions requirements. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Sprints coach wizard Brandon Thomas continues to train a fast fleet of runners at Rosary and Servite to remarkable results. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Under the Navy’s fleet response planning framework, carriers follow multiyear schedules that balance deployments, training, and shipyard maintenance, with major maintenance periods often lasting months and sometimes far longer depending on upgrades or repairs. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 The transition allowed Capital Metro to standardize its fleet appearance across UT Shuttle and city routes — a move some students said caused confusion because buses were no longer visually distinct at a glance. Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • That included intercept, de-mining, strike, future convoy and escort and patrol operations at sea, Rogynskyy added.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • With his son along for the ride, Luis shows strangers photos of the missing girl, joining a few of them on a convoy to the next party.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But detainees inside the Adelanto facility who called the Immigrant Defenders rapid response hotline alleged that medical staff didn’t respond until after Ramos was unresponsive and that Ramos died inside the immigration detention facility, said an Immigrant Defenders spokesperson.
    Ryanne Mena, Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Following the United States’ launch of Operation Epic Fury late last month, Iran deployed its own armada of light-weight, low-cost attack drones.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
  • An armada of steely clouds with coal-black hulls was scudding between the rims, while a wash of pale pigments played across the canyon walls in a way that was entirely unfamiliar to me.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While the latest fusillade of ambiguity couldn’t have come at a worse time for the advertising market—brands have yet to register their budgets for the 2026-27 upfront bazaar, in which they’re expected to commit to some $17 billion in broadcast and cable inventory—early sports sales remain brisk.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Expect plenty of sunshine and a brisk northwest wind with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph along Marin and Sonoma ridgelines during the afternoon.
    Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The North Carolina native’s caravan of cruelty quickly earned him a promotion from El Centro sector chief to Border Patrol commander at large, a new position crafted just for him.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Dallas Cowboys caravan of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Christian Parker, vice president of player personnel Will McClay and more wrapped up their four-day Pro Day trip on Thursday with an afternoon in Lubbock at Texas Tech.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Noah Gregor scored the fastest goal to begin a game in franchise history, Mackie Samoskevich followed shortly after to give Florida its fastest two goals to begin a game in franchise history, and the Panthers never looked back in a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators at Amerant Bank Arena.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Croatia was unable to defend the fast-break attack, allowing Endrick to play the ball on for Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli to put away with ease.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Simpson returned fire with four missiles of its own, disabling the Iranian boat, before it was finished off by gunfire from the US flotilla.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Adler said that both the flotilla that traveled to Gaza and the one heading to Cuba share several supporters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The strikes temporarily disrupted the spacecraft’s electrical systems, but quick action by mission control kept the mission on track.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Hours were spent on Zoom calls with Garden (based in England) poring over match film on Wyscout, Olsson quick to point out the flaws and areas of improvement and Garden quicker to point out the strengths.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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