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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
Time is a rare gift, especially valuable in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 4 Feb. 2026 One of the fastest-growing cities in Northern California is looking to its future. Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Direct donation, especially local, is often the cheaper and faster option. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Feb. 2026 Also many previous park perks now have costs added to them, food prices have increased, and the Lightning Lane fast passes can add hundreds of dollars to the day’s price. Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
For example, some experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional to safely come off a fast instead of reverse dieting. Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025 Jews then partake in a festive after-fast meal, turning the evening into a yom tov (festival). Krys'tal Griffin, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Many organizations will struggle to adapt their operating models fast enough to fully capture AI’s benefits. Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Athletes are conditioned to produce results fast and to equate their value with productivity and measurable success. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Flames quickly spread into the attic, turning what appeared to be a small flare-up into a major fire.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Joseline Garcia, who has led immigration defense efforts in the district by helping coordinate and train volunteers on how to respond to raids, said word of the agents’ presence spread quickly within a network of organizations and residents.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • For Rios, the celebration hits home — quite literally — as a Bay Area native.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Firstly, in drone technology, operating tactics and countermeasures, Russia has caught up and is quite possibly ahead.
    Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the city, mutual-aid and rapid-response networks are coordinating food, rides, childcare, rent assistance, and medical support so families can keep living without exposing themselves to risk.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Kindred, which owns both Orange County facilities, has refused to pay workers enough to avoid rapid turnover that has contributed to understaffing.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gusler’s own loyalty to the character of the PR has been rewarded with a clientele that’s equally loyal.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The Olay Regenerist line has tons of loyal users, like the Regenerating Serum and Vitamin C Moisturizer.
    Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But while China has portrayed the renminbi as a convenient and safe currency for global trade, experts said that tight controls on moving money in and out of the country will deter investors and financial institutions from relying too heavily on renminbi reserves.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • But groups like Alpha Omega, which already operate with extremely tight finances, have to prepare for the worst.
    Natalie Wallington, MLK50, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This type of malware is often spread through fake software updates, malicious email attachments, compromised browser extensions or deceptive ads.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Bright sunshine on Sunday will be deceptive as highs will only reach the low to mid-20s.
    Steven Sosna, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Organizers brushed off those rumors, heralding the beds as sturdy and eco-friendly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the mix, too, are the many shorter and more personal expressions around the event.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Instead, it’s funneled into systems that are long on slogans and short on accountability.
    Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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