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
Shadow fleets are vessels that operate outside of the official shipping system. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Sep. 2026 Saudia Cargo will double its fleet, adding four Boeing 777-200F jets over more than two years, as Saudi Arabia pushes to become a logistics hub linking three continents. semafor.com, 4 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
  • Associated Press journalists waiting at a checkpoint south of the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon saw a convoy of ICRC vehicles heading toward the Naqoura border crossing Friday morning and later return.
    Fadi Tawil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The First 100 Miles The day was spent in a convoy, rolling out of the Red Rock Casino’s parking lot at the crack of 9 am.
    Michael Febbo, The Drive, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The system must support rapid acceleration while allowing the interceptor to maneuver toward its target.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Both two-stage vehicles are being manufactured with full and rapid reusability in mind, with Pathfinder serving as the proving ground for that architecture.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 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
  • The Philadelphia-Jacksonville game is the more expensive of the two, and its brisk sales seemingly point to the popularity of the Eagles.
    Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On the way to Sam’s Club one morning last fall, Veraza, then 25, encountered a caravan of federal agents that had spent the morning wending through Little Village.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • On that 1848 trip, Mason walked 1,700 miles alongside a 300-wagon caravan over months, The Times previously reported.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea that stricter work-search requirements will lead to faster re-employment simply doesn't match the reality of modern hiring.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Keith, meanwhile, is among the team’s sneaky-fast young players.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The vessel was hired in late 2024 by a production operating under the working title Charlie’s Tale and appeared as one of the escort ships in the film‘s Viking flotilla.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • The play design was supposed to lead to a quick throw to Hunter Henry.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • How many of us make things worse More seasoned Internet users—a fair number who read this site—are quick to dismiss the attack.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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