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Definition of fastnext
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fast

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adjective

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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

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noun

fast

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verb

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
Items listed on the marketplace typically sell faster than those in stores. Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 13 May 2026 While the district is still far below the national average, student test scores have grown faster than in similar urban districts in Michigan. ABC News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
These vortexes form when fast winds (up to 34 mph, or 21 kph) encounter obstacles in their way like islands, mountains, or volcanoes. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 12 May 2026 The rain and cool weather have meant slow ripening, but also (seemingly) faster spoilage. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2026
Noun
Mamdani has attended and posted from iftar dinners to mark the end of the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026 During Ramadan, officials at the mosque gave out free meals to the community to break the daily fast, feeding more than 25,000 people over the last 30 days, Khouraki said. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
One previously unseen image shows Harry cradling a newborn Archie on the couch, the baby fast asleep on his chest, wrapped in a blanket. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 Gas peakers — plants designed for short, high-output bursts — are now being co-located with data center campuses specifically to absorb these inference spikes that baseload plants can’t respond to fast enough. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Trinidad and Tobago disputes the spill’s size and severity, saying only 10 barrels spilled on May 1 and were quickly contained.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • Between the Oklahoma State orange, the flat brim, the motocross background and the way fans gravitated toward him, Fowler quickly became one of the most recognizable and most popular players on the PGA Tour.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Adverb
  • According to the brothers, the home — despite appearing quite elegant, with its portico, white balustrade, five bedrooms, carved fireplaces and a music room — has long been in decay and would cost millions of dollars to restore.
    Eric Adler May 12, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026
  • Church-goers who aren't quite ready for lunch food will love this delicious brunch dish.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • For instance, researchers found that rapid urbanization and electrification across Asia drove brightening in cities from China to India to Sub-Saharan Africa.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • My father’s clients were loyal and had become close friends over the years, but my mother knew little about the technical side of accounting or tax preparation.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • For existing and loyal customers, familiarity builds confidence.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • But as the season has progressed and the pressure has increased, their margins of victory have become tighter.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Cornyn’s legislation comes as the four-term senator is locked in a tight GOP primary contest against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs in the California suit claim they were misled by deceptive labeling when purchasing the product more than a dozen times in California stores.
    Itzel Luna, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
  • Patel’s complaint against FanDuel includes claims for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, conspiracy, and deceptive and unfair trade practices.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Reintroduced as Aqua Lares in late 2025, the 254-footer is comfortable in the harshest of environments, with a sturdy ice-class hull that can power through practically anything.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
  • Optimize the wall space by placing belts and bags on sturdy hooks.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Lombard’s strong arm and slick glove would be underutilized if positioned away from short or third.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 May 2026
  • The report said prosecutors at the time sought a significantly longer sentence, but a judge imposed a shorter term that drew criticism from the district attorney’s office.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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