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
However, the United States has a limited domestic fleet of such equipment. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026 In May, Elon Musk reportedly spent at least $1 billion to buy an energy company with a fleet of combustion turbines, likely to power his AI model, Grok. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Adjective
After finishing second in Sunday’s first of three fleet races at the New York Sail Grand Prix, and easily winning the next, all the Americans needed was an average start in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 1 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • The military convoy was leaving the northern town of Anefis and headed to Gao city when it was ambushed in the Sahara desert.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • In Nolan’s film, when Odysseus and his crew first set sail from Troy, our hero refuses to join the convoy with King Agamemnon (Benny Safdie) and the other ships.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • That design philosophy allows manufacturers to prioritize rapid production, simpler assembly and lower manufacturing costs without compromising mission performance.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • Patents filed earlier in the 'gold rush' are often granted with broader coverage on average than applications filed later due to the rapid growth in prior art patent filings.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • But compared to Four Tet’s largely downbeat 2024 album Three, the new record keeps the tempos brisk and the energy high.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026
  • People in the nation's fittest cities are more likely to take brisk walks or routinely hit the gym.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 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
  • Start With Fresh Air Many drivers immediately press the recirculation button, but that isn’t always the fastest way to cool a scorching cabin.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • Like Mamdani, whose campaign called for fast and free buses, Burnham has also championed investments in public transportation.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Sixteen others were rescued by a flotilla of first responders and nearby boaters.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • The ongoing outbreak has also recorded 2,500 cases almost three times quicker than that of 2014-2016.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Aniston was quick to give her longtime bestie her virtual flowers, re-sharing the post on her Instagram Stories.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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