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 For years, he’s been broadening his Bay Area restaurant empire at a rapid clip. Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 20 June 2025 The idea went from concept to reality in rapid order. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 June 2025 The report found that the cladding did not meet fire safety regulations and was the primary reason for the rapid spread of the fire. Time, 20 June 2025 Since Trump’s inauguration, Dolores Mission has hosted training for the rapid response networks that have alerted people about immigration raids. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
Adjective
  • Your tongue may be quick to lash out under the Leo moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Luis Costa, global head of EM sovereign credit at Citigroup Global Markets, signaled the muted reaction could be, in part, attributed to hopes of a brisk resolution to the conflict.
    Ruxandra Iordache,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 June 2025
  • Related article Prevent low back pain with this simple lifestyle change The findings showed that as the amount of daily walking increased, the risk of chronic low back pain decreased, and preliminary evidence revealed moderate or brisk walking was more protective than a slow pace, Pocovi said.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's new aim at Federal Reserve Chairman Powell may also accelerate bets for faster rate cuts.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • California’s budget is not limitless, and a good program should not be measured by how fast it’s depleted.
    Roger Niello, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Smith’s swift ascent has exceeded the already enormous expectations Houston had for him.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The Nets’ final move of the 2025 NBA Draft was a swift Day 2 trade.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 June 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
  • Because a massive particle travels more slowly, a speedy observer could overtake it and effectively reverse its direction of motion, thus flipping its apparent handedness.
    Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025
  • The Oilers might be wise to trade for him in June, sign him and increase the number of speedy wingers with plus shots in the pool of young talent available this fall.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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