Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rapid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rapid are expeditious, fast, fleet, hasty, quick, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When would expeditious be a good substitute for rapid?

Although the words expeditious and rapid have much in common, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related?

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 fleet instead of rapid?

The meanings of fleet and rapid largely overlap; however, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of rapid?

While in some cases nearly identical to rapid, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

Where would quick be a reasonable alternative to rapid?

The synonyms quick and rapid are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can speedy be used instead of rapid?

In some situations, the words speedy and rapid are roughly equivalent. However, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When might swift be a better fit than rapid?

The words swift and rapid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 rapid That was always Putin’s nightmare scenario, especially once Russian forces failed to achieve a rapid victory and became bogged down and vulnerable in Ukraine. Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025 By surviving more than 3,500 cycles, the material demonstrated an unusually high degree of durability for this class of batteries, which are often plagued by rapid capacity fade. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 But the drama's rapid success wasn't without stress. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
Adjective
  • Additionally, the company stands out by prioritizing culture and vision over quick commissions.
    William Jones, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Roberson, leader of the church since 2023, has also opened the doors of the Cathedral from Monday-Saturday for tours, prayers or anyone walking by who needs a quick respite from the Miami heat.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There are expressive aromas of bread, pear and yellow plum; medium-full, with a rich, layered mid-palate, there is excellent complexity, significant persistence, brisk acidity and outstanding harmony.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • If left on automatic, the GFX100RF prefers a 1/125-second exposure time, which is brisk enough to eliminate signs of handshake.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Blue Cruise functioned well in fast traffic, including a couple of automatic lane changes.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • But most service impressions are shaped by System 1—the fast, intuitive, emotional response.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The swift guilty verdict for Arne Cheyenne Johnson, whose girlfriend had recently been mauled by his victim, speaks to the court and the public’s reaction to that wild legal strategy.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Israel’s strike on a Hamas compound in Doha this week drew swift condemnation from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Europe, and even the US, which said the bombing violated Qatar’s sovereignty.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
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
Adjective
  • The seven-time champion finished fifth in qualifying, one spot off the speedy Charles Leclerc.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • For the 2026 version, Mel Jarnson will be playing the speedy soldier.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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