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
  • 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
Definition of rapid
Adjective
  • Built on volume and consistency Beyond cones, Handel’s offers hurricanes, shakes, sundaes and specialty creations that turn a quick stop into a full dessert event.
    — Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
  • For governments approved for assistance, federal funding could get there quicker — within 30 days of a federal disaster declaration, instead of waiting months or years for reimbursements that are based on proof of expenditures.
    — David A. Lieb, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of quick
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
Definition of fast
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
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
  • This swift, transparent response exemplifies how major restaurant brands are prioritizing consumer protection and operational discipline during food safety crises.
    — Gary Occhiogrosso, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • About three months later, Carr publicly endorsed Paramount over Netflix on CNBC, promising swift approval.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lightning

Nglish: Translation of lightning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lightning

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