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 Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2025 To the consternation of some local residents and environmentalists, the rapid growth of Starbase has wiped out the small and eclectic community that existed here. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025 During the southwest monsoon season, annual rains fall across parts of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh brought by winds from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, which have undergone rapid warming in recent years. Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2025 This shortage has been linked to a rapid growth in the population. Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
Adjective
  • The winger was a joy to watch, scoring three goals and providing two assists to accompany his direct dribbling and quick feet.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
  • These routines are highly edited, almost hypnotic, with quick cuts, each mini-scene overlaid with a time stamp.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The new nine-speed transmission offers brisk, usually seamless shifts; though at times the acceleration can feel a bit segmented.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Analysts expect brisk growth in the next two years.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Polar bears rely on fast ice as a platform for hunting seals.
    Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Lawmakers responded with reforms that included faster payroll tax increases, a gradual rise in the retirement age, and taxation of some Social Security benefits.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, researchers at the National Institutes of Health were critical in developing the mRNA vaccine technology that enabled the swift creation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives at the height of the pandemic.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
  • But a Daniel Farke departure midway through the season and a swift return to the Championship by the end of it are also very much on the cards.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • The speedy identification of cases can affect whether a person is eligible for post-exposure treatments, too, which can limit the severity of the disease and sometimes prevent illness altogether.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Also, likely aiding in the suspect's speedy apprehension, according to Bumgarner, were the FBI-style protocols soldiers are trained to follow, including quick evacuation, barricading if escape is not possible, and taking swift action to curb imminent danger.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

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