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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lightning
Adjective
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The 20-year-old centre-back is one of the most exciting defensive prospects around and his move to the Santiago Bernabeu marks the highest point yet of a remarkably rapid rise.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
17 May 2025 -
Climate change, pollution, and other human impacts are driving a rapid decline, with scientists warning that up to 90 percent of coral cover could vanish in the next decade.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel.—
Benjamin Alva Polley,
Rolling Stone,
10 May 2025
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In these scenarios, defenders have to bounce back onto their heels, creating an inflated amount of space — and giving the guard an immediate advantage in the first step to cut into open space and catch a quick flip pass for a rapid-fire shot.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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With a win Friday, the Braves, who began the season with seven losses, could’ve tied an MLB record for the fastest team to reach .500 after such a start: The 1945 Boston Red Sox started 0-7 and got to the mark in their 38th game.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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Chinese factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April, adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to roll out fresh economic stimulus.—
Juliana Liu,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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The chippies, pubs and merchandise stalls on Goodison Road are doing brisk business, as fans arrive extra early to soak up precious last memories.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
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Adames began jogging around the bases, but his trot soon slowed into a brisk walk.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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The artist was in Times Square last week to offer his latest corrective, unveiling a massive bronze statue of a young African American man in urban streetwear sitting astride a galloping horse.—
NBC News,
NBC News,
7 Oct. 2019
Adjective
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Senior officials from both sides quickly confirm the deal, which is expected to bring a swift conclusion to military escalation.—
Riazat Butt,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
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But after a swift recovery, Camille is struck by an inexplicable pain that gradually takes hold of him, threatening his dreams of greatness.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
10 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Lightning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightning. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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