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
The company’s fleet of Broncos has also drawn the ire of Ford over alleged trademark and advertising violations, sparking a lawsuit that remains pending. Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026 Boeing 747s are generally not equipped with missile countermeasures; however, the older presidential fleet is widely believed to include them. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Adjective
The Navy sees these vessels as a potential way to increase fleet size without the enormous cost and manpower requirements associated with traditional warships. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • Under the Obama administration, an international coalition targeting the Libyan regime of Moammar Qadafi during the country’s 2011 civil war struck his fleeing convoy, leading to his capture and killing by rebel fighters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • As the sole Americans on the trip, the Meltons were joined in their convoy by fellow travelers from India.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • In the hours, sometimes days, leading up to a collapse, the sensors could clearly detect a rapid increase in the ground tilting motion.
    Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 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
  • Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026
  • Weight-bearing activities — brisk walking, climbing stairs, dancing, strength training — signal to the body that the skeleton needs to stay dense and strong.
    Matthew T. Drake, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • In Pasadena, Romani communities set up seasonal caravan camps, where Saar first encountered astrology and palmistry charts that inspired her interest in the unknown.
    Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Ancient caravan routes are now mere remnants, quickly blotted out by the path of red trucks.
    Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Miles became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists — doing it in 22 games.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Miles became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists — doing it in 22 games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Vance is reflecting on the nation's 250th anniversary with a speech from the USS Kearsarge, which is part of the Sail4th 250 tall ship flotilla sailing through New York City today.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • Vessels from 46 countries are expected to converge in New York City this weekend in what organizers say will be the largest-ever flotilla of international tall ships and military ships.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Built on volume and consistency Beyond cones, Handel’s offers hurricanes, shakes, sundaes and specialty creations that turn a quick stop into a full dessert event.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
  • For governments approved for assistance, federal funding could get there quicker — within 30 days of a federal disaster declaration, instead of waiting months or years for reimbursements that are based on proof of expenditures.
    David A. Lieb, Fortune, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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