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 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 Recent executive orders, for instance, have seen the rapid federal layoffs of over 800 workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who monitor natural disasters such as hurricanes and forecast daily weather patterns. Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 16 May 2025 The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 authorizes the rapid deportation of migrants from countries with which the United States is at war or that are attempting an invasion. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2025 Investors’ appetite for the growing number of young businesses in the space reflects the rapid growth in the market, itself a reflection of the pace at which AI video technology is advancing. David Prosser, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
Adjective
  • With their quick banter and palpable chemistry, by the time these two kissed in season 4 of Gilmore Girls, fans were at the edge of their seats.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Adames began jogging around the bases, but his trot soon slowed into a brisk walk.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Having a solo focus on Daniel Richter’s new paintings has elicited a very positive response, reflected in collectors’ swift decisions to buy.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 10 May 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
  • For One Medical, this means offering same-day appointments, speedy callbacks or handling many issues online versus the phone, so the patient doesn’t have to wait on hold or wait for a callback.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The deals also married with Brighton’s global recruitment model of attracting young players via a clear and potentially speedy pathway into the first team, with an expectation of not standing in the way of further career progression at the right price and in the right circumstances.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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