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 British were concerned that the precious resource of the French fleet could have tipped the balance of the war. Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 These include data centers, advanced manufacturing plants, EV fleet operators, critical transportation infrastructure such as airports or seaports, and commercial real estate developers who are leasing large industrial properties, said Ramamurthy. Ray Fernandez, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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
  • Tunnel Tops also features a casual cafe, bar and pizzeria called Il Parco, as well as a rotating convoy of more than two dozen food trucks, serving everything from birria to doughnuts to poke.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The reporters and military members were part of a convoy being escorted onto the base by uniformed public affairs staff in a government minivan when they were suddenly ordered out of their vehicles with their hands up, according to news reports.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fire officials said the combination of dry brush and strong winds fueled the blaze's rapid growth.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The quarterback struggles in camp bring into the realm of possibility Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan seeking an outside backup option off the waiver wire following roster cuts if Ewers doesn’t show rapid improvement.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 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
  • Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fredericson recommends simple, everyday activities such as brisk neighborhood walks, gardening, cycling, bodyweight exercises and even parking farther from the entrance at the grocery store.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On the night of September 7, Greenidge was trailing in a car behind Knight and Shakur, the front car in a caravan of cars, when the two men were shot.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Since 2023, the Tour has had an official partnership with TikTok, with the social media platform present in the race’s publicity caravan that passes ahead of the peloton two hours in advance.
    Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That picture-perfect scenario, however, hinges in my mind on how fast USC’s stellar freshman class rounds into form.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Horned Frogs’ schedule is set up for a fast start if TCU can avoid early upsets, with November having the potential to produce some high-stakes late season matchups.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 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
  • Can the Bearcats move the ball against the experienced, quick defensive backfield of North Crowley?
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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