RAPID Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rapid

adjective

ˈra-pəd

Definition of rapid

as in quick

moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed the rapid descent of the roller coaster made me feel very queasy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The collaboration required to make that rapid comedy work brought Rizzo into conversation with Pizzini and puppet captain Bill Barretta. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The rapid electrification of China’s transportation sector means that oil demand in the country probably peaked in 2025, Sinopec chairman Hou Qijun said. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2026 In countries with eroding democracies, many people have watched Hungary over the past three months make rapid reforms under a new prime minister, Péter Magyar. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026 The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid

Adjective

Can the Bearcats move the ball against the experienced, quick defensive backfield of North Crowley?

— Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
There’s a glint of Miss Piggy’s quick wit in the comedic edge and blonde ambitions of Jennifer Coolidge.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

Set physical activity goals and prioritize exercise, including both aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming, along with strength training.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Fredericson recommends simple, everyday activities such as brisk neighborhood walks, gardening, cycling, bodyweight exercises and even parking farther from the entrance at the grocery store.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of brisk

Adjective

That picture-perfect scenario, however, hinges in my mind on how fast USC’s stellar freshman class rounds into form.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
The Horned Frogs’ schedule is set up for a fast start if TCU can avoid early upsets, with November having the potential to produce some high-stakes late season matchups.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of fast

Adjective

Federal health officials are developing a nationwide system designed to help authorities respond more quickly when an autistic child or adult goes missing, with officials stressing that a swift response can be critical in such situations.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
Pham-Ngoy scored a 13-yard run on third-and-8 to cap a swift drive sparked by the Mariners’ special teams.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of swift

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

Set the scene Anyone brave enough to travel long-haul with young children will appreciate the speedy 30-minute transfer time—and the excitement of a seaplane—between Malé and Lux* South Ari Atoll.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Luiz’s presence on the right wing could move speedy and active Capita to the left wing, once the 24-year-old Brazilian is entrenched in the lineup.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of speedy

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“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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