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

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
Saving the space shuttle economy As NASA prepared to retire its fleet of space shuttles in 2010 and 2011, Congress authorized creating the next-generation Space Launch System rocket as a way to soften the blow of the shuttle program’s conclusion. Denise Chow, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026 The postal service has one of the world’s largest civilian fleets with 246,503 vehicles, according to a statement, and a million miles is the equivalent of driving from the moon to earth more than four times. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Under the Navy’s fleet response planning framework, carriers follow multiyear schedules that balance deployments, training, and shipyard maintenance, with major maintenance periods often lasting months and sometimes far longer depending on upgrades or repairs. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 The transition allowed Capital Metro to standardize its fleet appearance across UT Shuttle and city routes — a move some students said caused confusion because buses were no longer visually distinct at a glance. Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • The complex threats mean that any operation to escort vessels would likely need to go well beyond a traditional convoy of warships travelling ahead of and behind tankers, according to Rowlands.
    Annette Choi, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
  • When their transport convoy is ambushed, the two are forced to run while being shackled to each other and need to work together to reach their destination alive and on time.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Over the past few of years, the surge in artificial intelligence fueled by apps, websites and other tech has created the need for the rapid expansion of massive data centers to handle the demand.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • An armada of steely clouds with coal-black hulls was scudding between the rims, while a wash of pale pigments played across the canyon walls in a way that was entirely unfamiliar to me.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa, Japan, aboard the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, will join an armada of ships taking part in the Iran war, a source told NPR on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plan on a mostly sunny sky and brisk morning wind.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The subjects were also asked to do two additional workouts on their own; the details were up to them, but most chose running, cycling, brisk walking, or circuits.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The North Carolina native’s caravan of cruelty quickly earned him a promotion from El Centro sector chief to Border Patrol commander at large, a new position crafted just for him.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Dallas Cowboys caravan of head coach Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Christian Parker, vice president of player personnel Will McClay and more wrapped up their four-day Pro Day trip on Thursday with an afternoon in Lubbock at Texas Tech.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The resultant device blends fast discharge speeds with massive storage capacity, holding up to 25 times more energy per kilogram than conventional versions.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The center opened in December and uses real-time technology and surveillance systems to assist in the agency's activities and facilitate faster responses to incidents.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Simpson returned fire with four missiles of its own, disabling the Iranian boat, before it was finished off by gunfire from the US flotilla.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Adler said that both the flotilla that traveled to Gaza and the one heading to Cuba share several supporters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For a new perspective, hop aboard a Moon River cruise along the Shannon, then step into the Dock Arts Centre or neighboring Leitrim Design House for a quick hit of local creativity.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Washington recorded a respectable 20 reps on the bench press and also looked extremely quick during the 40-yard dash.
    Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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