RAPID Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'rapid' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rapid are expeditious , fast , fleet , hasty , quick , speedy , and swift . While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves. // rapid current

Q: When would 'expeditious' be a good substitute for 'rapid'?

Although the words expeditious and rapid have much in common, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment. // the expeditious handling of an order

Q: How are the words 'fast' and 'rapid' related?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fleet' instead of 'rapid'?

The meanings of fleet and rapid largely overlap; however, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness. // fleet runners

Q: In what contexts can 'hasty' take the place of 'rapid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rapid , hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness. // a hasty inspection

Q: Where would 'quick' be a reasonable alternative to 'rapid'?

The synonyms quick and rapid are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time. // a quick wit

Q: When can 'speedy' be used instead of 'rapid'?

In some situations, the words speedy and rapid are roughly equivalent. However, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity. // speedy delivery of mail

Q: When might 'swift' be a better fit than 'rapid'?

The words swift and rapid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement. // returned the ball with one swift stroke

rapid

adjective

ˈra-pəd

Definition of rapid next

as in quick

moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed the rapid descent of the roller coaster made me feel very queasy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective rapid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rapid are expeditious, fast, fleet, hasty, quick, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When would expeditious be a good substitute for rapid?

Although the words expeditious and rapid have much in common, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related?

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 fleet instead of rapid?

The meanings of fleet and rapid largely overlap; however, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of rapid?

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

a hasty inspection

Where would quick be a reasonable alternative to rapid?

The synonyms quick and rapid are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can speedy be used instead of rapid?

In some situations, the words speedy and rapid are roughly equivalent. However, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When might swift be a better fit than rapid?

The words swift and rapid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 rapid Surveillance video from outside the strip mall shows people running as rapid gunfire is heard. —

Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026 Supporters of the initiative, rather than presenting Switzerland as a nation in terminal decline, describe a homeland that has been rendered unrecognizable—like a landscape after a heavy snowfall—by rapid growth. —

Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 The center noted Hogan's history of atrial fibrillation, a condition resulting in irregular and rapid heart rhythm, was a contributing factor. —

Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 8 June 2026 Driven by rapid growth in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cryptocurrency, data centers have become the backbone of the modern digital economy. —

Ed Maibach, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid

Adjective

After a quick review, it was determined that the clock hit zero before the puck crossed the goal line, restoring a 3-1 lead for Carolina heading into intermission.

— Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Tolle recorded two quick outs before a single by Williamson, hit-by-pitch to Fortes, and an RBI single by second baseman Richie Palacios.

— Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026