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

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
As well as the world's largest navy consisting of more than 370 battle force People’s Liberation Army (PLA) vessels, China controls a shadow fleet of up to 200,000 fishing boats as an informal militia. Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 Apr. 2026 Cruise operators each have their own personalities, with diverse fleets that cater to different kinds of passengers. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The fleet feet of Nikki Meletidis created an opportunity in the 38th minute. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026 Moth Days, in a relatively fleet process, got about a year and a half. Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, skipped a traditional airport photo op, instead departing in a convoy of vehicles without stopping to pose for the press.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Like Orellana, Julian Pecora Cardenas, 31, was charged with conspiracy last summer after following a convoy of federal agents in his car.
    A.C. Thompson, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Private credit's rapid rise has been key to global dealmaking for more than a decade.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Our survey of Americans ages 18-29 allows for a closer look at the sentiments of young adults at a moment of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical change.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Following the United States’ launch of Operation Epic Fury late last month, Iran deployed its own armada of light-weight, low-cost attack drones.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
  • An armada of steely clouds with coal-black hulls was scudding between the rims, while a wash of pale pigments played across the canyon walls in a way that was entirely unfamiliar to me.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Or that their brisk pace would only have been possible for world-class athletes.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The city is contemplating a brisk timeline of four years to build the stadium.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Garth, who is suddenly everywhere the plot might need him, is the one to realize that their caravan is being boxed in.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The caravan was halted by police, and Sonko was put under house arrest.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on fast food frenzy and aviation advantages.
    , FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The 6-foot, 200-pound wideout who is exceptionally fast has been a popular prediction for the Panthers in the first round.
    Alex Zietlow April 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Forza do plan to do something on a small scale for the Porto game, while Sunday’s visit of Burnley will see their annual flotilla of boats on the River Trent beforehand.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
  • It is supposed to be the first ship in a flotilla that will carry economic development, national self-interests, and the yearning for scientific discovery to the moon.
    Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon’s square to Mars can bring quick irritation or pressure to act too fast, especially in conversations.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The 35-year-old striker has not normally started two games in quick succession this season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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