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
One of SpaceX’s reasons for going public is to raise funds to build fleets of orbital data centers. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 Those assets include the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopter fleet. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Adjective
Musk has indicated the company may look to boost fleet sales to commercial customers in response to questions about Cybertruck’s murky prospects. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 Now with a dozen all-suite, luxury cruise and expedition ships, Silversea’s fleet voyages to enchanting destinations around the globe. Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • After being halted for over an hour, the convoy took another longer route to reach its destination after 12 hours, the member said.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Another 10 people were detained on May 24 while trying to negotiate safe passage for their convoy at a checkpoint near Sitre, Libya, along the Mediterranean coast less than halfway between Tunisia and Egypt.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Similar rapid advancements occurred with chemistry in the 19th century and physics in the 20th century, and the 21st century will go to biology and medicine.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Musk proposes powering these super-armadas of satellites with solar panels.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • But for America’s 250th birthday, New York Harbor is also recruiting a proud armada of very tall sailing ships for the latest edition of OpSail.
    Paige Darrah, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Consumers haven’t slowed down their brisk spending.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • But there are moments of the season that simply call out for a brisk read.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Along with the jurors and deputies, the caravan included prosecutor Laura Adams and members of Pino’s defense team, led by attorney Howard Srebnick.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • To find out more about the caravan, check out the full story here.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The game is faster, the players are more explosive and soft-tissue injuries have become increasingly common.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The ambition is to enhance rather than disrupt the creative and address the growing demand for faster and more efficient pipelines.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The ships will enter Boston Harbor in flotillas and turn around near Charlestown before docking.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 17 June 2026
  • What made the operation unusual was the involvement of Task Force 59, a dedicated artificial intelligence and unmanned systems integration unit that operates a flotilla of drone boats, including the Corsair.
    David Szondy June 09, New Atlas, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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