fast 1 of 4

1
2

fast

2 of 4

adjective

1
2
3
4
5
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion as the storm approached, we checked to see that every thing on the outside of the house was fast and locked in position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
7
as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind I don't know how to operate this machine, but I'm a fast learner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fast

3 of 4

noun

fast

4 of 4

verb

as in to diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For
Try This
a fast response
a quick response
a timely response
a speedy response
a rapid response
a same-day response
a fast pace
an accelerated pace
a swift pace
a rapid pace
a quick pace
a frantic pace
a fast track
a focused track
an expeditious track
a quick track
a rapid track
an advanced track
a fast service
a quick-response service
an efficient service
a prompt service
an instant service
a timely service
a fast growth
a rapid growth
a drastic growth
a swift growth
a sharp growth
a strong growth

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fast contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fast are expeditious, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When can expeditious be used instead of fast?

The words expeditious and fast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

When is it sensible to use fleet instead of fast?

While the synonyms fleet and fast are close in meaning, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of fast?

Although the words hasty and fast have much in common, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fast?

In some situations, the words quick and fast are roughly equivalent. However, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When might rapid be a better fit than fast?

The meanings of rapid and fast largely overlap; however, rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When is speedy a more appropriate choice than fast?

The words speedy and fast can be used in similar contexts, but speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When could swift be used to replace fast?

While in some cases nearly identical to fast, 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 fast
Adverb
As the world heats up, Europe is warming up twice as fast as the global average, according to Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization. Ryan Kellman, NPR, 15 June 2025 Strangely, the scale’s heart rate measurement is regularly skewed about 10 beats per minute too fast. Christopher Null, Wired News, 4 June 2025
Adjective
If the Fed were to cut rates in an effort to spur economic growth, the move could unleash faster price increases. Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 June 2025 The fast transport ship USNS Point Loma — whose name is meant to honor San Diego’s more than century-old support of the Navy — has passed its sea trials and will likely be delivered to the fleet later this month. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Noun
During the fast, Target’s stock prices have sunk, seeing its biggest drop in four years at $88.73 per share in the beginning of April, from $266.38 a share in November 2021. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025 With summer fast approaching, These Guys Brewing have more lined up. Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
President Trump Friday angrily vowed to impose stiff new tariffs on European imports and Apple iPhones to punish them for not making concessions fast enough in his trade war. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 His conditioning is such that even fasting during Ramadan is not an impediment to him starting consistently for Liverpool. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • And perhaps most poignantly, both lost the thread -- Brian to the isolation of his mind, Sly to the labyrinth of his vices and fame -- but neither ever quite let go of the spool.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
  • While that is quite close to the FOMC’s target, it was dragged down by a decline in energy prices.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • In an era of such rapid and enormous change, the characteristics that defined an American, an American body, and, therefore, American citizenship itself were unstable and uncertain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • Fanning out across downtown with no real destination is an L.A. tradition — what about joining the many immigrant rights groups who have set up rapid response networks to show up where la migra does?
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the nearly 20 years since the show's conclusion, the loyal fanbase has pushed for a revival, and Cranston was working behind the scenes to deliver just that.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Money was tighter than a banjo string around the Carter house at that time.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
  • Aside from a brief period in the first half of the first quarter, the game stayed tight throughout the opening stages.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Payment providers can face significant card brand penalties if they are found to facilitate deceptive behavior.
    Rochelle Blease, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Don't fall prey to deceptive marketing language and inflated MSRP prices—our tips only take a few moments.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Built with a sturdy steel frame and wrapped in durable rattan, it’s designed to handle the elements—from blazing heat to sudden downpours.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pool offers a short menu of beef burgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs and fries.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Israel was quick to retaliate, targeting an oil refinery and hitting buildings in Tehran.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2025
  • Reddit users were quick to share their love and admiration for Stevie.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fast

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!