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

as in to diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
And given how quickly the technology advances, private companies are setting their own rules of conduct and doing so faster than regulators can keep up – similar to how the internet has developed. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2025 Olofsson has a quick release, and scored both of his goals by getting one-timers on net as fast as possible following excellent passing plays by Vegas. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
Secretary of State Shirley Weber told The Bee last week that faster counting could come at the expense of longer ballot-curing periods Most California voters – 58% – also oppose giving the federal government more control over state election administration. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 In the event of a delay or cancellation, the app is often the fastest path to rebooking another flight. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
Ramadan, when many Muslims fast daily from dawn to dusk, is also peak television season in the Arab world, when families watch shows late into the night after breaking their fast. Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Dates are distributed at every facility to break the fast, Easton said. Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
Some studies suggest curcumin may help lower fasting blood sugar levels after not eating for several hours. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025 Ghrelin levels fluctuate and may increase due to hunger, fasting, weight loss, and the effects of bariatric surgery. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Halper, of Top Ten Liquors, isn’t quite sure what to expect from the federal government.
    Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
  • When that happens, their buzzing calls used to attract mates are quite loud.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 20-year-old centre-back is one of the most exciting defensive prospects around and his move to the Santiago Bernabeu marks the highest point yet of a remarkably rapid rise.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 authorizes the rapid deportation of migrants from countries with which the United States is at war or that are attempting an invasion.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • But nonetheless, the band has maintained an incredibly loyal following.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
  • Chalamet has stayed loyal to Guadagnino and to Italy, attending the Venice film festival for the premiere of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part 1 in 2021 and again a year later with Bones and All (2022), a horror romance directed by Guadagnino and co-starring Taylor Russell.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • And don’t even think about trying to change clothes in a tight plane bathroom.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025
  • Construction budgets will also increase if tighter immigration policies result in labor shortages.
    Ted Reed, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the 1970s, information about the Tuskegee study – a deceptive and unethical 40-year study of untreated syphilis in Black men – came to light.
    Christine Coughlin, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
  • Anyone wanting to fight such usage would have to rely on deceptive practice laws, trademark and copyright protection, and state-specific laws protecting a person's name, image, and likeness.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The latter is the name of a short projection show at Disney California Adventure (DCA).
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Now Feeling Crunch of Production Contraction The film marks the feature directorial debut of Italian-German filmmaker Nora Jaenicke, who has previously earned acclaim for her short films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Aleksander Barkov’s shot tipped off his stick to bring the Panthers back from two quick Toronto goals.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • Creators should leverage strengths, choosing formats requiring minimal upkeep for quick returns.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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