lightning

adjective

Definition of lightningnext
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed he made a lightning dash for the goal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lightning Digital assets are moving at hyper-lightning speed. — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning
  1. rapid
  2. quick
  3. fast
  4. brisk
  5. galloping
  6. swift
Adjective
  • In early 2025, the organization relaunched its rapid response online efforts under a new brand, @FactPostNews, an account intentionally designed to look like an independent news aggregator, not a messaging arm of the party.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Huang has said that this system gives his company the flexibility to react to rapid changes in technology and remain agile.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of rapid
Adjective
  • With the lesson learned from last year, TCU made sure to get off to a much quicker start as the Horned Frogs’ new roster shined against the Lions.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Next year, if Democrats claim the majority in both chambers, the GOP can’t expect quick dismissals.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • The second Thanksgiving recipe of the season is coming in hot with this delicious, fast and easy sausage stuffing that uses only five ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Patients diagnosed before 45 face a faster loss of blood sugar control, earlier cardiovascular complications and a shorter overall life expectancy than those diagnosed later in life.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fast
Adjective
  • On a brisk Saturday in October, more than 80 people try to shuffle into the small Corner Bookstore in New York City's Upper East Side.
    — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Ticket sales have been so brisk that Center Theatre Group has already booked the show again for next season.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of brisk
Adjective
  • As his health faded in the last year of his life, Neruda rushed to finish his story, which gives the last chapters of his book a galloping, fragmented quality.
    — Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, 25 June 2021
  • Designed by renowned architect Dominique Perrault, its four stories tilting forward are said to evoke a galloping horse.
    — Rob Hodgetts at Longchamp, CNN, 15 Oct. 2019
Definition of galloping
Adjective
  • That same approach to solving urban problems — a sweeping pragmatic vision paired with swift on-the-ground action — became the foundation of her campaign.
    — Alissa Walker, Curbed, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That demonstration also drew swift condemnation from the Biden administration and state and local officials.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of swift

Phrases Containing lightning

Browse Nearby Words

lightness
lightning
lightning rod
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lightning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lightning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lightning

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