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

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
Or any fleet vehicles by the state doesn’t need smog testing. — Kyle Cheromcha, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026 The area is full of artifacts from a Spanish fleet that sank during a hurricane in 1715. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The fleet buildup is designed to prevent such single points of failure, and the new bill contains language that would require NOAA to have backup aircraft on hand for each mission. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Airlines generally plan for fleet growth years in advance, and the bulk of an aircraft's price is paid when a carrier receives it. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • Then, just ahead of first light on September 22, 2025, an RCMP convoy was spotted on the highway that isn’t on the way to anywhere else.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The attack comes a day after a roadside bomb struck a security forces convoy in the northwestern Hangu district and killed six soldiers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • How drone defense works One of the challenges the drone defense industry faces is keeping up with the rapid advancement in technology.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child told Rolling Stone recently that the group may face a lot of pressure due to their rapid ascent.
    — William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Not an inciting event for troll armadas to threaten the people involved.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Corlys has his own armada sailing for Rhaenyra.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Fall’s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires—perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency.
    — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Someone could take a brisk walk, climb stairs or use a stationary bike.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From caravan travel and 4WD adventures to camping and off-grid exploration—S2000 delivers extended runtime wherever Australians choose to explore.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Continue reading … ‘SEALED SHUT’ — DHS issues ominous warning to new migrant caravan heading toward US-Mexico border.
    — , FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The wine industry has largely convinced itself that faster, cheaper, and easier is the path to a better product.
    — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • To put it into proportion, imagine not only launching the smaller, yet still skyscraper-sized Apollo-era Saturn V and then expecting to not only get the entire rocket back, but reuse it again after a fast turnaround.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a flotilla of yachts, but millions of have-nots, and enough homeless people to fill stadiums.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • According to Euronews, the ships belonged to the German Kriegsmarine’s Danube and Black Sea flotillas, which were intentionally sunk as German forces retreated before the advancing Soviet Red Army during the final months of World War II.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And guard and team leader Robert Hunt told reporters afterward that this officiating crew in particular is quick to call unnecsssary roughness.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
  • So for him, that would be a quick burst and some lateral side-to-side stuff.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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