rapidly

adverb

Definition of rapidlynext
as in quickly
with great speed summer vacation has gone by way too rapidly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rapidly Soldiers in the United States are testing rapidly deployable counter-drone systems. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026 Such signaling will become ever more essential as AI rapidly advances. — Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026 The extension will make travel easier for both patients receiving care in the medical district as well as employees coming to the area’s rapidly expanding hospitals, such as upgrades to the JPS campus and Cook Children’s. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026 Meta, which has been rapidly building out its data-center infrastructure to fuel its AI push, made plans to erect a $1 billion campus in the area. — Naomi Nix, Time, 29 Oct. 2026 Yet things can change rapidly, with players moving from one category to the other. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Vanstreels and his colleagues rapidly arranged for a trip to try to figure out exactly what was happening. — Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 The cost of services such as shipping, hotel rooms and utilities increased rapidly from August to September, a sign that inflation is spreading and growing more entrenched. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Investment in new rail lines rather than maintenance Spain has rapidly expanded its rail network over the last decade. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapidly
  1. quickly
  2. swiftly
  3. fast
  4. quick
  5. soon
Adverb
  • With the interference removed, the transport molecules can quickly stick to the flexible base, while the new additive guides crystal growth and seals up flaws in the perovskite layer.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Bolsonaro quickly refused to concede defeat and asked for the election results to be annulled after an evening of chaos at some polling places that followed a last-minute decision to extend voting by two hours.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of quickly
Adverb
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other local agencies swiftly took action, arrested the caller and took him to the Palm Beach County Jail.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The memo went out like the bat signal, and Danica promptly — and swiftly — took action.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of swiftly
Adverb
  • Traveling faster than Mach 5 means ARRW can exceed five times the speed of sound.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the fast-ascending Kit Connor is on course to have Elden Ring and the next X-Men movie — playing Cyclops — both releasing in 2028, which could catapult him to tier 1 stardom.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of fast
Adverb
  • Fans lose interest quicker than ever, and changing the head coach creates engagement.
    — Mac Engel October 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Our selections include gift ideas under $50, like quick-drying performance half-zips or customizable book weights from Quince and Leatherology.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of quick
Adverb
  • Rose soon shed their Americana trappings, publicly embraced their queerness, and revamped their musical identity.
    — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Voters in six states will soon decide whether to impose or expand voter identification requirements, including rules requiring mail voters to provide part of a driver’s license or Social Security number.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of soon

Browse Nearby Words

rapidity
rapidly
rapidness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapidly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapidly. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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